The 30th annual show and sale of the Tullow Sheep Breeders Association took place last Wednesday.

Ewe lambs continued the good run of fortune of recent years, with buyers looking to source ewe lambs for selling as hoggets competing with farmers who were particularly active for ewe lambs fit to breed this year.

Mart manager Eric Driver said that the offering of 1,170 ewe lambs was of greater quality than that seen in previous years.

Good-quality Suffolk Cheviot-cross lambs weighing 44kg to 48kg sold from €120 to €155, with stronger lambs weighing up to 55kg selling to €170, while a top of €180 was paid for the first-prizewinners.

Lighter lambs weighing 38kg to 42kg sold in general from €110 to €135, with small numbers falling below this level.

The hogget trade was easier than recent years, with an 85% clearance rate.

Eric says lighter fitter hoggets sold from a base of €165, with the majority selling from €170 to €185.

Buyers were more cautious on the price they were willing to pay, but the top-quality heavy hoggets and prizewinners were still a solid trade, selling from €200 to €220.

The second show and sale of the Tullow Sheep Breeders Association takes place on Wednesday 30 August.