There was a drop of over 30% in cattle throughput at marts following the introduction of Level 5 restrictions, Irish Farmers Journal analysis of mart data shows.

The number of cattle sold in the six days from Thursday, 22 October, to the time of going to press shows that numbers were back 30.27%, when compared to the equivalent six-day period in the week? previous.

The analysis covers some of the biggest weanling marts in the country, including Ennis, Elphin, Central Auctions and Balla, as well as Kilkenny, Fermoy and Mid-Tipperary.

Several sales were cancelled last Saturday following technical issues with online sales.

Weanling bull prices increased marginally during the same period, with the average price up 1c/kg on the week

Despite the drop in throughput, however, Irish Farmers Journal data shows that sale prices held up. Weanling heifers of between 300kg and 400kg showed a small price drop of just 2c/kg, the equivalent of €6 to €8/head.

Weanling bull prices increased marginally during the same period, with the average price up 1c/kg on the week.

Factory-fit cattle recorded an increase of 6c/kg to 7c/kg on the week previous, albeit coming off a tougher week and is more in line with what was paid earlier in October.

Pedigree sale confusion

Meanwhile, the interpretation of Level 5 restrictions at pedigree sales seems to vary in different areas of the country.

Late last week, the Irish Limousin Cattle Society called off its premier sale, scheduled for the bank holiday Monday in Roscrea. It said it couldn’t reach agreeable protocols with the district veterinary office (DVO) with regard to how the sale was to be run.

The sale has since been rescheduled to run on 4 November in an online capacity and not at a mart.

The Irish Charolais Cattle Society is to host its first autumn sale on 7 November in Tullamore

Last Saturday, the Irish Simmental Society hosted its premier sale in Roscommon Mart with strict protocols in place. All bulls were managed and exhibited by a select group of handlers who were hired for the day, with breeders asked to leave the premises.

The Irish Charolais Cattle Society is to host its first autumn sale on 7 November in Tullamore and has said that all exhibitors will lead their own animal into the ring.

It seems the interpretation of the restrictions by the local DVO is the deciding factor in how each sale is run.

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