A sharp fall-off in the number of suckler cows for sale, and a lot of confusion regarding the new TB rules, were reported at marts in the west this week.

However, marts in the south maintained that there were “teething problems” but that sales ran fairly well.

Stephen Hannon of Aurivo Mart said there were a number of issues arose during the sale in Ballinrobe Mart this week.

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Trying to stop online customers from purchasing stock that was restricted to controlled finishing unit buyers was extremely difficult.

Similarly, the protocol for cows going to the Northern Ireland was unclear.

Another question raised was whether a farmer whose herd is over the six-month test can 30-day test individual animals for sale. “There is a lot of ironing out to be done,” Hannon said.

Denis Kirby of Kilmallock Mart said the new TB rules will “take getting used to”, but he conceded that there were “no great issues” at this week’s sale.