There were more buyers looking to source store lambs at last Saturday’s sheep sale in Carndonagh Mart, Co Donegal. Manager Harry Molloy said some buyers were careful not to get caught up in a highly competitive trade, with prices appearing to be running ahead of recent years. A feature of the trade was lambs presented in much better condition, with buyers going home with great-quality sheep.

Store lambs weighing 40kg to 42kg sold on average from €75 for good Scotch lambs to €84 to €86 for good lowland lambs (€2.10/kg to €2.15/kg). Lowland stores weighing 37kg to 39kg sold from €78 to the low €80s, while lambs weighing 35kg sold from €73 to €76 (€2.15/kg to €2.25/kg) and a small number of lambs weighing back to 30kg to 32kg sold in the low €70s.

Heavier lambs weighing 44kg to 48kg sold from €90 for lighter average-quality lots to €100 to €103 for fleshed lambs. Lambs weighing upwards of 50kg sold from €103 to €108 on average, with a top of €114.50 paid for super 53.4kg lambs.

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Cull ewes were a super trade with fleshed ewes weighing 80kg to 90kg upwards selling from €110 to €120, with a selection of excellent-quality lots selling to and topping €130 per head.

Commission rates for lambs are 2.5% to the buyer and seller.