Nobody could have predicted the global pandemic that is COVID-19 and while it affected most sectors in its own way, for marts it drove selling into the future.
Online selling was always something that was going to come in for marts. Many marts had toyed with idea, but didn’t have plans in place.
With the closure of marts due to lockdown in March, these ideas were quickly brought to the forefront to get cattle moving again.
Companies started releasing bidding platforms and marts were eager to latch on. By May, many of the country’s marts had already signed up for online bidding.
As lockdown lifted, restrictions were still in place to stop buyers standing ringside. This led to tendering or, for those set up, a fully online sales platform.
2020 trade
The whole process led to a rocky start for most marts in what is usually a busy sales period.
Cattle throughput was stopped at times and sellers cautious at the beginning of reopening meant numbers were lighter than usual for most livestock marts. This quickly changed and the backlog of cattle started to show over the summer months.
Buyer demand and a good year for grass growth meant prices for cattle were very strong. The bonus of online buyers also added to boosting prices that bit higher than other years.
Many thought once stock levels were replenished and weather began to change, leading to early housing, that prices would ease back. However, this wasn’t the case, with prices holding firm throughout the second half of 2020.
In the yearly comparison, we see that both steer and heifer average prices rose between 5c and 10c/kg on 2019 levels
So on average price, how did the year play out? As mentioned, grass growth was at an all-time high due to the incredible start to summer we got. This, in particular, drove the lighter stock prices up.
In the yearly comparison, we see that both steer and heifer average prices rose between 5c and 10c/kg on 2019 levels. While the difference wasn’t seen in the upper end of cattle, it was lesser-quality lots which benefited. Some of this could be down to online bidding and some not viewing cattle before purchase.
As we move into heavier cattle, we can also see that price on average increased by 10c/kg or €50/head
One of the most striking trends throughout the year was the demand for first-cross Angus and Hereford cattle, particularly in dairy parts of the country, with mart managers reporting price increases of 10c to 20c/kg on first-cross cattle. The added benefit of the bonus for certified beef filtered down to the ring, with the seller the biggest beneficiary.
As we move into heavier cattle, we can also see that price on average increased by 10c/kg or €50/head. This was very hard to understand given the beef price at the factory gate stayed at around €3.60/kg or lower for the majority of the year.
However, factory agents were keen for stock. While they mightn’t have given it in the farm yard, they had to fight it out ringside to get stock, in turn leading to the increased price. In most cases, 2020 proved a lot more profitable for the farmer selling through the mart over selling direct to the factory, particularly if dealing with smaller numbers.
Weanlings
If we look at the data over the last three years, we see weanling averages across the weights are up between 6c and 14c/kg on the year.
It’s worth noting that these prices are inclusive of the spring trade also and when marts were only getting back up and running after the initial lockdown, so a stickier start to 2020 meant prices are back slightly on 2018.
Overall, the year can be looked upon favourably as regard weanling prices, particularly for lighter stock which saw the biggest increases.
Read more
Feeding dry cow minerals in preparation for calving
Grassland Farmer of the Year: meet some of the beef/sheep finalists
New BDGP criteria set out for 2021 rollover scheme
Nobody could have predicted the global pandemic that is COVID-19 and while it affected most sectors in its own way, for marts it drove selling into the future.
Online selling was always something that was going to come in for marts. Many marts had toyed with idea, but didn’t have plans in place.
With the closure of marts due to lockdown in March, these ideas were quickly brought to the forefront to get cattle moving again.
Companies started releasing bidding platforms and marts were eager to latch on. By May, many of the country’s marts had already signed up for online bidding.
As lockdown lifted, restrictions were still in place to stop buyers standing ringside. This led to tendering or, for those set up, a fully online sales platform.
2020 trade
The whole process led to a rocky start for most marts in what is usually a busy sales period.
Cattle throughput was stopped at times and sellers cautious at the beginning of reopening meant numbers were lighter than usual for most livestock marts. This quickly changed and the backlog of cattle started to show over the summer months.
Buyer demand and a good year for grass growth meant prices for cattle were very strong. The bonus of online buyers also added to boosting prices that bit higher than other years.
Many thought once stock levels were replenished and weather began to change, leading to early housing, that prices would ease back. However, this wasn’t the case, with prices holding firm throughout the second half of 2020.
In the yearly comparison, we see that both steer and heifer average prices rose between 5c and 10c/kg on 2019 levels
So on average price, how did the year play out? As mentioned, grass growth was at an all-time high due to the incredible start to summer we got. This, in particular, drove the lighter stock prices up.
In the yearly comparison, we see that both steer and heifer average prices rose between 5c and 10c/kg on 2019 levels. While the difference wasn’t seen in the upper end of cattle, it was lesser-quality lots which benefited. Some of this could be down to online bidding and some not viewing cattle before purchase.
As we move into heavier cattle, we can also see that price on average increased by 10c/kg or €50/head
One of the most striking trends throughout the year was the demand for first-cross Angus and Hereford cattle, particularly in dairy parts of the country, with mart managers reporting price increases of 10c to 20c/kg on first-cross cattle. The added benefit of the bonus for certified beef filtered down to the ring, with the seller the biggest beneficiary.
As we move into heavier cattle, we can also see that price on average increased by 10c/kg or €50/head. This was very hard to understand given the beef price at the factory gate stayed at around €3.60/kg or lower for the majority of the year.
However, factory agents were keen for stock. While they mightn’t have given it in the farm yard, they had to fight it out ringside to get stock, in turn leading to the increased price. In most cases, 2020 proved a lot more profitable for the farmer selling through the mart over selling direct to the factory, particularly if dealing with smaller numbers.
Weanlings
If we look at the data over the last three years, we see weanling averages across the weights are up between 6c and 14c/kg on the year.
It’s worth noting that these prices are inclusive of the spring trade also and when marts were only getting back up and running after the initial lockdown, so a stickier start to 2020 meant prices are back slightly on 2018.
Overall, the year can be looked upon favourably as regard weanling prices, particularly for lighter stock which saw the biggest increases.
Read more
Feeding dry cow minerals in preparation for calving
Grassland Farmer of the Year: meet some of the beef/sheep finalists
New BDGP criteria set out for 2021 rollover scheme
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