Mart managers reported a sharp rise in throughput in the last week, as producers targeted sales of spring lambs and hoggets for the Easter trade.

The trade has been positive in most areas, with butchers and wholesalers active for what managers describe as very good quality lambs.

Quality spring lambs weighing 40kg to 45kg traded from €85 to €100 over in the last week, or from €128 to €140 per head, with small volumes of excellent-quality and heavier lambs exceeding this range.

Some managers report slightly easier demand from factory agents for hoggets, although prices have held steady.

A significant differential remains in price. At the top of the market, fleshed hoggets weighing 50kg to 55kg sold from €85 to €95 over the weight, with those lacking flesh selling back to €75 to €85 over the weight.

There is good demand for ewe hoggets with breeding potential, with farmers buying for the new Areas of Natural Constrain scheme.

This, along with renewed optimism, is helping demand for ewes with lambs at foot.

Twin-lamb outfits, including young first- and second-crop ewes and good-quality lambs, are selling from €200 all the way to €270.

Aged ewes, crossbred ewes or those with average- to poor-quality lambs are trading from €150 to €220 per lot.

Single-lamb lots are trading from €100 for aged hill or crossbred ewes to €180 for quality lowland ewes with a good-quality lamb.

Cull ewes are trading from €100 to €130 for slaughter-fit ewes.

Large-framed lots are selling to €150 or higher in a small number of cases, with hill and lowland feeding ewes from €50 to €80.