Jane Mayne
As the year comes to a close, Stephen Hannon, General Manager of Aurivo Livestock Marts, remarks that 2022 “has been a very good year again for us in the Aurivo Marts following on from 2021, which was also a very good year for marts, but 2022 we will be up in throughput again.”
“It has been a very good year for farmers trading cattle with the average price up over 150 euro on last year. The strong beef prices which started in the new year drove the trade right up to mid-summer, where prices took a slight dip at that point.”
“Good demand for beef from factories kept a floor under the trade and because of factory agents’ presence around the rings kept forward cattle coming to us,” he adds.
In terms of what sold particularly well he says that, “Most in demand was forward factory fit cattle especially dry cows, with numbers of dry cows up at all our sales.”
What has the overall quality of livestock been like, much in keeping with the last few years? “Most noticeable is the improvement of quality in the weanlings being presented at our marts, and top-quality commanding very strong prices up by over 200 per head on last year.”
Who has mostly driven sales: “Factory and feedlots buyers drove the trade.”
For sales of particular animals that surprised him he pinpoints dry cows.
What’s the highest prices per kg paid he’s noted this year? “There would be a range of different prices per kg, you could have a show weanling making 6 euro per kg, or an incalf heifer at 5. But lots of cattle over 3 euro per kg.”
Any standout popular shows at Aurivo Livestock Marts in 2022? In his view: “Special weanling sales.”
Mr Hannon’s reaffirms that 2022 has been a good year for marts in general. His forecast of farming, food production, and livestock costs in 2023: “Due to rising costs there will be a switch to organics for some farmers and there will in general be a reducing of suckler herds. Farmers will keep less, but will improve on quality.”
Keep an eye on upcoming Aurivo Livestock Marts sales on LSL Auctions in 2023.
For mart information, see here.