A sharp fall in the number of cattle sold through marts in the west and in other strong suckler areas has sparked fears for the long-term future of some marts.

Cattle numbers sold through marts in Connacht between January and May fell by 13% compared to 2025, while numbers fell by 8% for the same period in sales centres in Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan.

With numbers back by around 10% on the three-year average for 2023-2025, and operating costs rising year-on-year, marts in drystock areas are under increased pressure, claimed George Candler of Kilkenny Mart.

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“It’s sad, but at the end of the day it’s a numbers game. Marts in the dairy areas have the numbers, but those that are dependent on the suckler herd could struggle,” the well-known livestock auctioneer pointed out.

“Some areas have too many marts, and with the decrease in numbers and increase in overheads, you’d have to ask is it viable for some of these marts to continue?” Candler said.

Stephen Hannon of Aurivo Marts accepted that the drop in mart numbers in Connacht was worrying: “We are obviously seeing a change, and my belief is that it is probably a generational change.

“The numbers are way back this year. This week gone by there were marts with just 50 or 80 cattle in them,” he added.

However, Hannon does not foresee a spate of mart closures in the short-term.

“Will the numbers game impact the viability of some marts? I believe it will, but it will take some time and it won’t happen in the next 12 months,” he said.