Last Tuesday night’s sale of sheep at Tuam Mart saw a strong entry of breeding hoggets and ewe lambs on offer. Mart manager Marian Devane said that there were over 1,300 sheep on offer and farmers were active. There were 224 breeding ewes and hoggets on offer. The ewes sold mainly from €115 to €138/head for better-quality types, while plainer lots made from €108/head upwards. There was a strong entry of over 160 breeding hoggets, which sold for up to €168/head for a pen of seven top-quality types. The main demand for hoggets saw prices range mainly from €155 to €160/head, with plain hoggets making from €137/head upwards.

Marian said that farmers were particularly active for good-quality types which helped keep prices high. There were approximately 180 cull ewes on offer and prices were said to be quite firm on previous weeks.

Top-quality cull ewes sold to a top price of €100/head, while the main demand saw good-quality lots sell from €81/head upwards. Plainer, old and broken-mouth ewes made from €66 upwards.

There was a strong entry of ewe lambs on offer and prices ranged mainly from €90 to €105/head, with stores making from €75 to €94/head. Heavy lambs saw strong butcher activity on the night also. Commission rates are €1 to the buyer and 1.5% to the seller.

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