It has been a difficult few days in mart sales after factory prices were cut by up to 20c/kg. The price reductions in the factories were quickly replicated in the marts, where prices for factory lambs dropped by €5 to €10/head.

Last week, factory-fit lambs weighing 45kg to 48kg were making €100 to €108/head or €55 to €60 over. Heavier lambs suitable for the butcher trade were making up to €115/head to €120/head.

This week, factory lambs are making €90 to €103/head or €45 to €55 over. A select few well-fleshed lambs suitable for the butcher trade are making up to €105/head. This is a significant fall over a four-day period. It is hoped that these price reductions will be shortlived. Some of the larger price falls are likely just a knee-jerk reaction to factory cuts and more stability should return. Confidence in the store lamb trade was not overly dented in sales according to mart managers.

Lowland-bred store lambs weighing 35kg to 38kg are selling for €68 to €80/head or €33 to €42 over the weight. Short-keep store lambs weighing 40kg to 43kg are making from €80 to €86/head or €40 to €43 over.

One positive in the trade this week is that ewe lamb buyers are starting to enter the mix in sales. Some are on the lookout for stronger lambs that would be suitable to run with a ram this breeding season. Premiums of up to €10/head are being paid for ewe lambs.

The effects of reduced factory lamb prices was also felt in cull ewe sales. Heavy fleshed ewes are selling for €100 to €110 this week.

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Read this week's Sheep Trends here.