Castlecomer-based Joseph Coogan Auctioneer & Valuer has reported extremely strong demand for leased land after two auctions it held recently saw drystock farmers outbid dairy farmers on both occasions.

Kilkenny land

One parcel – 30ac at Lisdowney, Co Kilkenny – was described as suitable for grazing but hilly in places with about 10ac of it suitable from making silage or hay.

The land, which is 4km from both Ballyragget and Durrow, was available on a five-year lease and had no entitlements included. There were no buildings, but there was a cattle crush.

Proceedings got under way at the round roof sheds outside the Coogan auction rooms in Castlecomer and there was plenty interest. Bidding got underway at €200/ac with three or four interested parties.

Auctioneer, Joseph Coogan placed the land on the market when it reached €260/ac and the auction became a two-horse race before a final bid of €490/ac secured the lease.

The agent said this was the second time in the last month where a dairy farmer was the under bidder to a drystock farmer.

Laois farm

A 55ac farm near Ballylinan, Co Laois, with a cattle crush but no entitlements or buildings made €400/ac for a five-year lease.