Mart managers are reporting unexpected improvements in the sheep trade this week. These come on the back of severe drops in price during sales last week.

One mart manager said it was as if the tight reigns put on factory agents recently were released a fraction, which had a positive effect on prices. Factory-fit lambs weighing from 43kg to 45kg are selling from €115 to €125/head. However, lambs lacking flesh in that weight range are selling €2 to €7/head lower.

Store lambs are also beginning to get more attention now, with lambs weighing 35kg to 36kg making €80 to €90/head.

More forward lots weighing 37kg to 38kg are making up to €95 to €97/head.

The severe cuts which affected the factory lamb price were not as severe on heavier lambs, according to mart managers. More competition from wholesalers and butchers helped to keep these prices up somewhat. Lambs weighing 46kg to 49kg are selling from €120 to €132/head, or €74 to €83 over the weight. Top prices for heavy fleshed lambs reached over €140/head in sales where butchers were particularly strong.

Hoggets are almost nonexistent at mart sales now, with just some exceptions. All attention has turned to lambs. On the other hand, ewes with lambs at foot are still making an appearance. Ewes with one lamb are selling from €150 to €180/unit. Ewes with two lambs are selling from €180 to €230/unit. Cull ewe prices have also seen a little boost at some mart sales. At one sale in the southeast, prices were up €10/head for average-fleshed ewes weighing 75kg to 80kg. These ewes were selling for €120 to €125/head. Heavier large-framed ewes are making €130 to €140/head.

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Sheep trends: more bite for lambs