Despite significant price pressure from sheep factories in the last number of days, the mart trade remains relatively buoyant. Prices are back slightly by €2 to €3/head in some sales, but not to the same extent as one might expect compared with the reduction in factory quotes.

Factory agents are very much active in sales, which would suggest numbers entering factory gates are lower than expected. Fleshed 40kg to 44kg lambs are selling from €107/head to €118/head (€67 to €74 over the weight), with flesh cover dictating prices paid. Factory agents are seeking out these lambs to underpin throughput.

Heavier lambs weighing 45kg to 49kg are selling for €118/head to €125/head and the marts may be a more suitable outlet for heavier lots.

The store lamb trade is also holding up well. Lambs weighing 35kg to 39kg are selling for €85 to €92/head, or €50 to €53 over the weight. Lighter wether lambs weighing 31kg to 34kg are making €78 to €84/head.

Hogget prices are ranging from €100 to €118/head and ewe hoggets continue to see firm demand, with prices of €120 to €130/head paid for quality lots.

Numbers continue to decline as we head into June, with eastern marts seeing the main supply of hoggets now.

Cull ewes

Numbers of cull ewes in mart sales has been noticeably low recently.

Prices remain steady, with the majority of fleshed ewes selling for €100 to €110/head. Factory agents are reportedly keen for numbers, but to a point.

Large-framed heavy fleshed ewes are making up to €125/head. Lighter-framed feeding ewes are making €60 to €90/head.

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Lower kill helps stabilise factory lamb prices