Heavy butchers’ lambs over 50kg are selling from €106 to €112. Factory lamb from 45kg to 50kg are selling mainly from €99 to €107/head, up slightly on last week.

Those from 40kg to 45kg are seeing prices range mainly from €88 to €94/head.

Exporter demand for fleshed lambs seems to have eased in recent days, with a little heat leaving the market as a result.

The store lamb trade is still solid, with grass buyers active right across the country.

Lambs from 30kg to 35kg are selling mainly from €68 to €74/head, while those from 35kg to 40kg are selling mainly from €78 to €85/head, back slightly on last week.

Prices for cast ewes are running from €60 to €80/head for thin and old types, while better-quality culls carrying flesh are selling from €80 to €105, with some choice lots making €110 to €115/head.

Good-quality hoggets continue to sell from €150 to €180, with some top-quality types making up to €200/head. However, demand for ewe lambs continues to be very strong.

Ewe lambs in demand at special mules sale

Sheep prices: trade holding but rain starting to have an impact at marts

While the trade remains strong, prices have strengthened slightly by €1 to €2/head. However, in recent days with heavy rainfall, prices are said to have eased slightly once again in some areas.