Mart managers have reported more activity and demand for finished lambs. Prices remained relatively unchanged with some managers reporting a €1 to €2/head lift.

The general run of prices for factory lambs weighing 45kg to 50kg ranges from €88 to €99 per head, with agents reluctant to pay or exceed €100 per head.

Butchers and wholesaler lambs exceeding 50kg are, in a small number of cases, selling from €100 to €105 per head, with evenly matched ewe lambs with potential for breeding capable of attracting a €5 to €10 premium on price.

The store trade is firm. Short-keep lambs weighing 35kg to 40kg are selling from €2.00 to €2.20/kg.

A premium of €2 to €5 per head is being paid in many cases where store lambs are castrated, matched on gender and evenly matched on size.

There are also more cross-bred lambs starting to appear with demand also firm for these types.

Prices range, in general, from €1.80/kg to €2/kg for crossbred hill lambs weighing 30kg to 35kg.

Early indications for breeding sales are positive with a strong cull ewe trade also helping confidence.

Second- and third-crop ewes are selling from €100 to €135 per head, with small numbers of hoggets selling from €150 to €170 per head.

Large-framed cull ewes are selling in the main from €90 to €105 per head, with the tops on offer rising to €110 and above.

Feeding ewes coming straight off ewes are selling from €45 to €70, depending on size and condition.