Farmers are at breaking point – but easing of mart restrictions will help

INDEPENDENT Councillor Dan McCarthy has described as a “big boost” the easing of restrictions on marts announced by the Department of Agriculture yesterday (Tuesday).

Cllr McCarthy, who is also manager of Kenmare Mart, told The Kerryman that most of his work of late has been spent talking to farmers at breaking point under COVID-19 restrictions, especially after last week’s mart closures rocked the farming community.

But while normal mart auction activity will remain closed for the foreseeable future, the Department yesterday said marts can put alternative methods in place to allow the sale of animals while following the guidelines put in place by authorities.

“In this context, two types of activities seem possible, provided they are essential and minimise the potential for contact between people,” the Department announced. “For calves, a service whereby a farmer can deliver calves to the mart, by appointment, so that orders for purchase can be matched and facilitated via the mart.

“For older livestock, a weighing service for lots of cattle/ sheep, by appointment, with the mart facilitating the transaction between a buyer and a seller.

“Other activities, including online and other uses of new technology can of course also be considered.”

It’s broadly in line with what Councillor McCarthy was requesting when contacted by The Kerryman earlier this week, and he has since told this newspaper that this is very good news for the farming community, news he wasn’t sure would come following the Taoiseach’s announcement of tighter social restrictions last Friday.

“It’s definitely an improvement,” he said.

“It’s getting livestock moving again, which is a very important part of the cycle.

“It’s a big boost and has to be broadly welcomed.”

It does not eliminate all concerns within the farming community, however, and far from it.

Cllr McCarthy said farmers are very worried going forward about the effect an illness somewhere along the supply chain would have on the industry, while beef and lamb prices have slipped back during the crisis.

“The sheep or beef factories, say, if someone gets sick in there, that’s that under pressure,” he said.

“The beef and lamb prices have fallen back, and I suppose that’s because the demand isn’t there with hotels and restaurants closing.

“It’s important farmers keep talking. If there is a problem, contact your local mart, talk to someone. Don’t let it build up inside you. Farmers’ mental health is going to be under pressure.”