The trade for lambs in the marts has started to come under pressure on the back of reductions in factory base quotes this week. Most sellers are now securing more than €60 over the weight this week, with €70 over common earlier in the week.

Sales were reportedly small, with one factory agent commenting that farmers were too busy making silage to attend.

Factory-fit lambs weighing 42kg to 45kg were selling for €102 to €110/head and agents were keen for numbers, but trying their best to keep a lid on prices.

Most farmers with lambs in this weight range with a good cover of flesh were securing €104 to €108/head.

Higher prices of €115/head and more were paid for top-quality well-fleshed lots that attracted the attention of agents as well as butchers.

The wholesale market for heavy lambs weighing from 46kg to 50kg was particularly strong earlier in the week, with prices of €125 to €136/head paid.

Since Wednesday, these prices have eased by €5/head.

Lighter lambs were meeting a firm trade earlier in the week, with lambs weighing 37kg to 38kg generally selling for €85 to €93/head.

Some lambs in this weight range with flesh cover attracted factory buyers and higher prices of over €95/head were paid.

Cull ewes

Cull ewe prices are hardening, with prices up €5 to €7/head in sales. Large-framed well-fleshed ewes are selling for €115 to €130/head. Medium-sized fleshed ewes are selling for €85 to €112/head, with feeding ewes moving at €60 to €80/head. Cull ewe numbers have been lower in sales. Some farmers participating in the Sheep Welfare Scheme are opting to hold on to ewes now to maintain numbers for their sheep census levels to avoid penalties in the scheme.