Price cuts in factories are starting to have a detrimental effect on prices paid in the marts currently. Mart managers are reporting prices are back €5 to €7 per head, but are genuinely surprised that they are not back more given the significant cuts in the factories.

The general run of prices is between €65 and €70 over the weight for spring lambs. Factory-fit lambs weighing 43kg to 45kg are making €108 to €112, or €65 to €67 over the weight.

Lighter lambs lacking flesh weighing 40kg are back at €103. Heavier lambs are attracting more butcher activity, which is helping competition with factory agents.

These butcher-type lambs weighing 49kg to 50kg are making €117 to €119, or €68 to €69 over the weight.

Hogget numbers are disappearing fast in marts now. The quality of hoggets on offer is becoming very variable as the year progresses.

Light hoggets weighing 48kg sold for €108, or €60 over, while heavier hoggets weighing 55kg with good flesh cover are making €114, or €59 over.

Cull ewes continue to be a very strong trade despite the cuts to other classes of sheep.

With the hogget numbers reducing weekly now it is having a positive effect on cull ewe prices. Mart managers are reporting that heavy, well-fleshed ewes are making €140 per head. The general run of average-quality lowland ewes are making €110 to €120 per head. Lighter ewes in need of feeding are also selling well at €85 to €90 per head.

Full-mouthed ewes with two lambs at foot are making €180 to €270, depending on quality and the strength of the lambs. Three- and four-year-old ewes with one lamb at foot are making €190. Horny ewes with one lamb at foot are making €120 per lot.

Ewe and lamb entries have fallen significantly but farmer demand is strong for any lots offered.

Peter Varley