The trade for lambs is steady in the marts this week, with no major changes. Mart managers are commenting that sales are bigger than usual, but that store lamb prices continue to hold solid despite the deluge of rain.

Lowland-bred lambs weighing 35kg to 40kg are making €70 to €80, or €35 to €40 over, in the main. Some store lots in this weight bracket, especially ewe lambs, are exceeding the €80 mark. Crossbred ewe lambs in the south are making from €2.05/kg all the way up to €2.40/kg. Crossbreds weighing 25kg to 30kg are making €58 to €65, or €33 to €35 over. Heavier crossbred ewe lambs weighing 31kg to 35kg are making €68 to €78, or €37 to €43 over. One manager commented that buyers from the midlands and east are driving demand for lambs and are actively seeking crossbred lambs in the 31kg to 35kg weight bracket.

Factory-fit lambs weighing 45kg to 50kg are making €97 to €102, or €52 over. Heavier butcher-type lambs are selling for €102 to €107, or €51 to €54 over the weight.

The breeding sale season continues. Prices for lowland-bred hoggets are ranging from €175 to €185/head, with some top prices exceeding €200. Good-quality second-crop lowland ewes are making €165 to €170/head. Crossbred breeding hoggets are selling from €120 to €150/head and although early, some Scotch hoggets are trading from €95 to €105/head. Cull ewe prices are stable, with moderately sized, fleshed ewes selling from €112 to €120/head. Lighter ewes in need of more feeding are at €95 to €105/head. Crossbred ewes are selling from €45 to €65 depending on size and flesh cover.