Monday’s sheep sale in Athenry Mart in Co Galway had a larger entry of spring lambs, with about 100 head on offer.

Manager Alan Barry said the higher entry was met with firm demand from butchers and wholesale buyers, but unfortunately the trade is starting off on a lower level than the same period in 2016. Alan said the quality of lambs on offer was excellent, with the mild weather during January and February giving lambs a great start.

A high percentage of lambs offered were farmers’ first pick, with a tight weight range from 43kg to 45kg. These good-quality fleshed lambs sold from €120 to €130, with small numbers of lighter lambs falling below this price range.

The trade for hoggets was steady, with some tail-end supplies and lots lacking flesh on offer. Good-quality lots weighing 50kg to 55kg sold from €110 to €115, with no real change on the week previous. There was a price differential of €5 to €8 between equivalent-weight hoggets varying significantly on flesh cover, with butchers and wholesalers not overly interested in these types.

Fewer spring lambs

There were very few spring lambs on offer in Tuesday’s sale in Kilkenny, but there was a larger entry of hoggets, with over 600 sheep in total offered.

Auctioneer George Candler reported heavier butcher and wholesale-type hoggets increasing in price by €2 on average, while some factory types were €3 to €5 dearer, with demand rising as plants start to build supplies for the Easter trade.

Heavy hoggets weighing from 52kg right up to 59kg sold from €112 to €118, while lighter good-quality lots weighing 46kg to 48kg sold from €108 to €112.

Steady trade

Raphoe Mart in Donegal recorded a steady trade for hoggets, with the general run of prices ranging from €105 to €115 for sheep weighing between 48kg and 55kg, with some top-quality lots rising to €120. Ewes with lambs at foot sold from €130 to €180 for single lamb lots, while good-quality twin-lamb outfits sold from €180 to €260 each. Dry ewes sold from €70 to €120 in general, with some exceptional-quality ewes reaching a top of €143.

Steady factory trade

There is little change in the factory trade, with most plants quoting a base of €4.90/kg to €5.00/kg. However, there are signs of more demand, with more sellers securing €5.15/kg to €5.20/kg, while some large feeders are said to be holding out for more.

Negotiations also depend on the type of hogget offered, with factories keen for those killing under 23kg with a good cover of flesh.

Spring lamb quotes remain around the €6.00/kg mark, but regular suppliers are securing €6.20/kg to €6.30/kg, with demand slowly rising to fill orders for the Easter trade.

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