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Lamb prices are holding steady and have even strengthened in some mart sales. Prices paid are on par with last week, with most factory-fit lambs weighing 46kg to 48kg selling for €97 to €105/head.
Mart managers are reporting lively sales and demand is strong for all classes of sheep.
Some sales saw stronger buying activity for butcher lambs, with fleshed lambs weighing 50kg to 52kg selling from €105/head to €108/head and heavier lots making in excess of €110/head.
Factory agents have been out in force and are very keen for finished lambs. This is being sparked by reduced finished lamb supplies and an increase in factory prices.
The trade for short-keep store lambs has also seen an improvement. Lambs weighing 42kg to 44kg are selling for €89 to €96/head, up €1 to €2/head over the week.
Specialised finishers and factory agents are driving the trade for these close to finish lambs. The finishers are opting for these lambs in the hope prices rise coming into Christmas.
The store lamb trade is very strong in the east, especially where a combination of mild weather and availability of catch crops is driving the trade. Catch crops sown through GLAS can be grazed after 1 December.
Store lambs weighing 30kg to 35kg are selling from €67 to €81/head, with some lambs in the east making up to €85/head.
Cull ewe prices have also seen a lift, with fleshed ewes selling from €90 to €110/head. Good-quality feeding ewes are selling for €65 to €85/head. Smaller-framed ewes lacking flesh are selling for €35/head to €55/head.
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