The spring lamb trade has improved somewhat after a disappointing start. In the west, lambs weighing 43kg to 45kg sold from €120 to €130/head, or €77 to €85 over. This was at the higher end of the market and paid for top-quality first-pick lambs. However, it still represents a €10/head deficit on last year’s returns.

Lighter lambs and mixed-quality lots made from €114 to €118/head. Numbers of spring lambs remain low in sales, so factory agents are stalling on making the switch-over from hoggets.

Butchers are driving the trade at present. Hoggets remain steady, with fleshed lots weighing 47kg to 50kg selling for €108 to €115/head. Heavier lots weighing 50kg-plus are making up to €118/head. Mixed hoggets in the same weight range but lacking flesh are selling for €5 to €8/head below this range. Lighter store hoggets over 45kg are selling from €100/head upwards.

Some ewe hoggets weighing 45kg to 47kg suitable for breeding later in the year are making €110 to €116/head.

Ewes with lambs at foot continue to make an appearance in sales. The price is very dependent on the age of the ewes. Old ewes with one lamb at foot are selling from €120/unit and two-year-old ewes with one lamb are selling for up to €180/unit. Ewes with two lambs are selling from €180 to €260/unit.

Cull ewes

Cull ewe prices are on target to match last year’s super trade. Heavy, large-framed fleshed ewes are making as much as €143/head in sales. Medium-sized fleshed ewes are selling from €110 to €130/head. Lighter lots are selling from €70 to €95/head.