Last Thursday’s sale at Borris Mart saw an increased entry on last year. There were over 1,600 sheep on offer, up about 250 on the same sale last year.

Mart manager Jimmy Walsh commended the organising committee for the sale and the quality of ewes and ewe lambs on offer. “There was great positivity and confidence around the sale,” he said. He added that this translated into high clearance rates also, with few lots going unsold.

There were 500 ewe lambs for sale, which sold to a top price of €190/head for the second-prizewinners, while the first-prizewinners made €140/head. Prices ranged mainly from €125 to €145/head and demand was strong.

Ewes were back a little on last year. There was a good atmosphere for this section of the sale, but prices were back by about €20/head. Prices in the main ran from €170 to €220, with €220 being the top price on the day. The top 20% sold from €190 to €220, with the net 20% making from €170 to €195; the rest sold from €160 to €170/head.

Jimmy said that the clearance rate for ewes was about 90%. In terms of demand, there were buyers present from the midlands, mid-west and border counties, along with strong local demand. Commission rates are €1.85 to €2.00 to the buyer and 1.75% to the seller.