The decision to close all livestock marts on Tuesday was a massive blow to many, marts and farmers included.

In recent days, marts across the country ?implemented measures to halt the spread of coronavirus, including hand sanitising, signing into marts and practising social distancing. “We put a huge effort in over the last two weeks and it’s a massive disappointment but we have to deal with it and we will,” Ennis mart manager Martin McNamara said.

The numbers

The closures come ahead of a busy period for marts over the next two months. In 2018, 429,483 cattle moved through marts in April and May, the busiest two months of the year.

Given that cattle numbers have increased in the last two years, at a conservative commission rate of €20/head, it runs into a ?potential gross income loss of over €10m on cattle alone for marts, if they ?are to remain closed for April and May. Marts depend on cashflow to keep the wheels turning and this sudden halt to business is likely to put some smaller marts under pressure. There have been a few big sales in recent weeks and marts would have let out some credit to customers.

Given the impending cashflow difficulties on farms, cheques will likely be presented quicker than usual. Closed marts also means less contact with customers, so getting in money for some could be an issue and it could put some smaller marts in particular, under financial pressure.

It will also cause concern for thousands of farmers who summer graze cattle each year.

Keeping cattle for seven consecutive months means herd owners are eligible for the ANC payment. The average stocking rate needs to be 0.15 L.U/ha for the entire farm for the full calendar year. The payment rates for this scheme range from €88-€148/Ha or €3,000 of an annual payment in September on many farms.