Following a very strong start, trade at breeding sales is becoming more variable. In general, specialised breeding sales are holding better than sale entries included in normal weekly sheep sales.

Blessington’s annual sheep breeding show and sale and Borris ewe breeders show and sale held in the last week saw keen farmer demand and good-quality ewe hoggets selling in general from €170 to €200 per head. Small numbers of lesser-quality lots sold back to €150 per head. Ewe lambs also met a very positive trade, selling anywhere from €100 to €140 per head depending on weight, age and size.

Managers reporting on normal weekly sales note much more variable breeding prices in the last week. Most report good-quality hoggets still attracting strong farmer demand but comment that many of the top-quality lots are now selling from €165 to €185, with only exceptional quality lots reaching the highs of previous weeks. Some mart managers comment the weakened lamb trade in the last few weeks has eased confidence and taken the heat out of the trade. Prices of lesser-quality hoggets have eased back, with those that were selling from €145 to €155 now selling from €130 to €145 per head.

Demand for first- and second-crop ewes and low numbers on offer are holding a floor under price. Prices for good-quality lots range from €130 to €170 per head, with ewes ready to breed straight away for early lamb production most sought after.

The trade for breeding sheep is being helped by a continued strong cull ewe trade. Slaughter-fit heavy-carcase ewes are selling from €85 to €105 per head, with live export activity for large-framed ewes adding more competition and raising prices by €8 to €10 per head.