Blessington Mart’s cattle trade has declined compared to the exceptional highs seen at this time last year, but demand for high-quality stock remains strong, according to auctioneer Tom Doyle.
talking to Agriland At the market in Co. Wicklow, Doyle said that although prices had returned from last year’s levels, there was still plenty of appetite among buyers for quality cattle.
The auctioneer described 2025 as a banner year for livestock prices, and noted that comparisons with current trade should be viewed in this context.
“Trade is definitely back to this time last year; 2025 was a real year in a way, but it’s steady enough for cattle now,” he said.
While cattle prices have fallen, Doyle explained that the sheep trade remains particularly thriving, noting that it is “very good at the moment.”
“We saw sheep prices rise last week, so that’s probably a good sign for this time of year and we hope that continues.”
Looking to the second half of the year, Doyle believes the cattle trade will continue to stabilize.
“For the cattle, I think we have somehow gotten to the ground and it is stable now.
“There are a lot of cattle here today worth between 4.50 and 4.70 euros per kilogram,” he estimated.
The auctioneer recognized that there was currently a strong demand for “good continental cattle”.
New TB rules
Introduction to the new TB movement restrictions In the markets has been one of the most important changes facing market managers and farmers in recent months.
However, Doyle said these measures have had little impact on business activity at Blessington Mart so far.
“Certainly for us, the main buyers of cows will be controlled feedlots, so the restrictions haven’t really made a difference,” he explained.
The auctioneer admitted that many farmers were still trying to figure out how the rules would apply to them.
“The rules are very difficult to understand in some ways, and farmers are still coming to us to try to figure out what that is,” he said.
Although he acknowledged there had been “greater clarity” on the restrictions since they were imposed in April.
Eradication
While the new regulations may not have had a “significant impact” on sales, Doyle said farmers in and around the Blessington area were still suffering from TB itself.
“Farmers are finding it difficult to deal with TB in general, especially in these areas where it has been highly prevalent in the past few months.
“There does not appear to be much movement towards eliminating TB.
“If they don’t deal with… WildlifeNothing will happen,” he claimed.
