The sheep trade has shown signs of a steadying in the past week, with prices paid for factory lambs firm on last week. The store lamb trade has been said to be steady also, with grass buyers still very active right across the country.

Heavy lambs over 50kg are still selling from €98 to €106/head, but there are some reports of prices as low as €95/head paid for 50kg lambs at some sales. Factory lambs from 44kg to 48kg are selling mainly from €91/head to €99/head, with prices averaging at €95/head, which is similar to last week. Quality and cover are the main factors influencing prices of these, with better-covered lambs making the upper end of the prices.

The store lamb trade is strong and steady, with little changes to prices seen in recent weeks. Those from 37kg to 41kg are selling mainly from €78 to €82/head or from €2.10/kg to €2.20/kg, however some sales are seeing prices of €2.05/kg paid also. Lesser-quality Scotch lambs are selling from €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg.

Types from 33kg to 37kg are selling mainly from €70 to €78/head and up to €80/head in some sales.

There has been a slightly stronger start to breeding sales, with prices topping out at €175 at a special dispersal sale at Tullow Mart on Tuesday last. The majority of other good-quality pens sold from €150 to €170 per head.

Fleshed cull ewes are still a strong trade at sales according to mart managers. At the top of the market heavy good-quality ewes are selling from €110/head to over €130/head at some sales.

Second-quality ewes and older, thin ewes are still selling mainly from €60/head to €80/head.