The trade in sheep marts has eased from the start of the week, with factory agents armed with reduced buying power.

Demand for lambs remains strong, but buyers are not willing to compete with the same intensity, with prices easing by an average of €5/head in recent days.

Heavy butcher-type lambs that were selling for top prices of €120 to €124 at the end of last week and over the weekend have now eased on average to €110 to €117, with small numbers of exceptional lots exceeding this range.

Factories are competing with farmers, with prices ranging from €85 to €95 depending on the quality of lambs

Lighter lambs weighing 42kg to 45kg are selling on average from €105 to €112, with lots lacking flesh falling back to €100 per head. A firm trade for store lambs is helping to keep a floor under the trade for lambs presented with flesh at weights of 37kg to 40kg.

Factories are competing with farmers, with prices ranging from €85 to €95 depending on the quality of lambs. Lighter lowland lambs are trading from €80 to €85, with crossbred lambs weighing back to 30kg selling back to €70 on average.

The ewe trade has steadied and in cases is firmer. A high percentage of well-fleshed heavy lowland ewes are trading from €100 to €115, with a selection of excellent-quality lots rising to €120 to €122.

Demand for ewes with lambs at foot is firm

Medium-sized slaughter-fit ewes are selling from €85 to €100. Farmers sourcing feeding ewes is helping to keep a floor under the trade, with prices ranging anywhere from €70 to €90 for good lowland feeding ewes.

Demand for ewes with lambs at foot is firm, but quality and numbers on offer are hugely variable. This is leaving prices for twin-lamb lots ranging anywhere from €170 to €250-plus for twin lambs lots and €120 to €190 for single-lamb units.