After a difficult spring for livestock prices, farmers at Roscommon Mart said trade had strengthened in recent weeks, with lower supplies and increased factory demand helping to lift prices.
Agriland She visited the market in Roscommon to hear from farmers about the factors they believe are driving the recent improvement in trade and how the recent bout of warm weather has affected grass supplies.
One farmer explained that livestock prices have definitely increased compared to what they were earlier in the year.
“I had a lactating cow there and its price has gone from less than €3 per kilogram to almost €4 per kilogram at the moment, and I hope that continues,” he said.
When asked about the reasons for the rebound in prices, the farmer pointed to “lack of stock” in parts of the country.
However, one dry stock farmer warned that current cattle prices could become “very expensive again” as he estimated that high-quality cattle now fetch up to €5 per kilogram, with lighter stock reaching €6 per kilogram.
He also felt that the demand for exports is one of the factors that led to the rise in livestock prices recently.
“I can say that the shipping companies drive the young cattle and the scarcity of good cattle drives the other cattle,” the farmer said. Agriland.
Another dry-cattle farmer raised concerns about whether or not “the weaned chicks will become too dear to the people who buy the stores”.
“We saw what happened last fall when beef prices reached almost 8 euros per kilogram,” he said.
“Lattle owners have been badly burned this spring because they were selling their cattle for €6.30/kg or thereabouts, when they needed almost €9/kg to make money.”
Another farmer also agreed that stocked cattle have become “a little more expensive” recently.
He added that the improvement in factory prices is due to market trade.
“Factory beef prices have gone up a bit, so they are willing to come back and spend again,” the farmer commented.
Sheep trade
Many sheep farmers described 2026 as a positive year for the sector.
One farmer pointed out that lamb prices had exceeded €200 per head in sales recently, which in his view was “big money”.
Another sheep producer noted that prices are “much better this year than they were last year.”
Asked what factors had allowed trade to rebound, he said the recent spell of dry weather had reduced grass supplies, which in turn helped support prices.
weather
While farmers generally welcomed the extended period of stable weather for the silage and hay industry, many said it was beginning to impact grazing conditions.
One farmer described the weather as “fantastic” for mowing and packing, allowing forage to be harvested early and brought in in ideal conditions.
Another local farmer said Agriland He felt that grass supplies in his area were not yet scarce, although he acknowledged that other parts of the country might be worse off.
“We have a lot of lowlands and swamps here, so that will keep the grass growing a little longer, but it’s starting to become scarce at the same time.”
However, attendees were less optimistic as they revealed that some farmers have already started leaving bales to conserve stock.
One Midlands farmer said the dry weather was now “burning the grass” near him, noting it had been a “tough year” for grass management.
However, with Rain promised this weekend In several parts of the country, many farmers at the market acknowledged that this would be a welcome sight.
One farmer noted: “We farmers do not like to ask for rain, but it will improve the grass and refresh it for the stock.”
