Martin Merrick

mmerrick@farmersjournal.ie

Stone clad sheep shed impresses in Malin

Martin Merrick paid a visit to the McColgan brothers just as lambing was kicking off in their new slatted sheep unit.

BUILDINGS 11 March 2026

Stone clad sheep shed impresses in Malin

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Beef management: Breeding preparation, handling new stock bulls and calf rearing

Beef management: Breeding preparation, handling new stock bulls and calf rearing

MANAGEMENT 11 March 2026

MartBids analysis: bullock price recovers as heifers fall

MartBids analysis: bullock price recovers as heifers fall

MARKETS 11 March 2026

Grass+ Beef: weather still tricky, but stock getting out

Grass+ Beef: weather still tricky, but stock getting out

Grass+ Beef: weather still tricky, but stock getting out

GRASS & FEEDING 11 March 2026

Weanling numbers and prices hold firm in Balla

Weanling numbers and prices hold firm in Balla

Weanling numbers and prices hold firm in Balla

MARKETS 11 March 2026

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Heifer weanlings average €6.45/kg in Gort

Heifer weanlings average €6.45/kg in Gort

Martin Merrick reports from Gort mart’s weanling show and slae, where high end stock met with high end prices.

MARKETS 4 March 2026

Watch: weanling bulls sell to €3,500 in Elphin

Watch: weanling bulls sell to €3,500 in Elphin

Overall champion of the show and top price of the day was a Limousin-cross bull born April 2025 weighing 535kg that sold for €3,500 (€6.54/kg).

MARKETS 4 March 2026

Martbids Database: live trade holding despite slippage in factory prices

Martbids Database: live trade holding despite slippage in factory prices

Despite the ban on non-slaughter exports to the North and a slippage in beef price in factories, the live trade has stayed relatively firm again this week.

MARKETS 4 March 2026

Camera at the Mart: steer trade solid in Rathfriland

Camera at the Mart: steer trade solid in Rathfriland

A strong trade was seen overall in Rathfriland’s general cattle sale on Thursday last, with good demand for all lots.

MARKETS 4 March 2026

Camera at the Mart: keen farmer demand remains in Ballina

Camera at the Mart: keen farmer demand remains in Ballina

Martin Merrick reports from Mayo-Sligo Mart’s general cattle sale, where trade remains buoyant despite a recent slippage in beef price.

MARKETS 4 March 2026

Beef Management: fertiliser, turning out stock and calf health

Beef Management: fertiliser, turning out stock and calf health

Martin Merrick discusses spreading the first round of fertiliser amid improved conditions, prioritising which cattle to turn out and calf health for dairy beef calves.

MANAGEMENT 4 March 2026

TAMS III approval rates tumble for tranche 10

TAMS III approval rates tumble for tranche 10

The Solar Capital Investment Scheme and Dairy Equipment Scheme will see just 10% of applications set to be approved.

SCHEMES 4 March 2026

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Advice for supporting gut health

Taking a preventative approach to scours and supplying calves with targeted health products during digestive disturbance are essential for sustained growth.

Advice for supporting gut health

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