Uncertainty sees prices slip across the board

The statement issued by the Department of Agriculture on Covid-19 on Thursday emphasises the importance of “keeping supply lines open” so that “producers and processors can continue to operate effectively”

This announcement was followed very swiftly by statements from the Associated Livestock Marts and ICOS that brought clarity and a clear plan of action to the table, in relation to how the mart system should proceed to continue to operate at this time.

Speaking with mart managers over the weekend there can be little doubt that those involved with the live cattle trade have taken on board the advice given in relation to actions to be taken to limit the potential spread of Covid 19 through the mart system. Hand sanitisers are being widely used with some patrons wearing gloves.

Patrons are also reported as being respectful of keeping their distance, while the advice given ‘to only attend if you actually have business to do’ also appears to be being well heeded.

Some marts as well as providing sanitisers have also erected protective screens in their offices to protect both staff and patrons. The restrictions on numbers attending are also being widely adhered to as both sellers and buyers adjust their practices.

While most mart managements are to be commended on the speed with which they have set new practices in motion, any that have not introduced new protocols need to do so immediately.

It is very obvious from the numerous reports I received that as the week progressed there are the beginnings of very serious level of commitment and co-operation being shown by the majority to do their utmost at this difficult time.

Assessing the current uncertainty, Sean Ryan of Sixmilebridge commented: “The trade needs a more concrete reassurance from the Minister that sales will continue. There is a danger that uncertainty could see panic selling, while shutting the marts will only create a chronic animal welfare issue.”

It is very clear from speaking with mart managers and from the hard fact that last week’s Ringside returns shows a general decline in prices across almost the entire table that those buying have eased back.

There can be no doubt that the uncertainty around how trade will proceed for the next number of months because of the Covid 19 outbreak is the sole cause.

Overall, average prices on the bullock table slipped by between 8-18c/ kg. The worst effected were those lighter bullocks in the 300-399kg section with prices here averaging 18c/kg less overall driven by the fact that your lesser bullock at this weight collapsed by 26c/kg. The irony is that it was only last week that I reported that confidence in the trade was to some degree stemming from the fact that as we headed into the spring these longer keep animals were being viewed by the trade as desirable.

Heifer prices were the least effected, with averaged falls of between 1-9c/kg depending on quality.

Indeed the 400-499kg and 500599kg heifer both bucked the down ward trend posting overall average increases of 1-4c/kg.

If the marts do have to close, we must remember that the trade survived their closure because of foot and mouth in 2001 and it will survive this.