Prices for sheep at livestock marts have steadied this week, as mart managers commented on increasing numbers offered for sale. However, high clearance rates indicate that all classes of sheep are still in demand.

Heavy-fleshed, tight-skin lambs weighing 48kg to 50kg sold from €98 to €106. Lighter lambs weighing 45kg to 47kg sold from €88 to €96.

Mart managers commented that while factory agents were still eager to source lambs, they were clearly looking to keep a lid on prices this week.

Fat ewes sold from €96 to €112 for young, fleshed animals. Butcher-type lambs are holding firm on last week also. Lambs weighing 52kg to 55kg sold from €102 up to €112.

Store lambs remain a steady trade around the country. However, difficult ground conditions and light grass supplies in the west and north of the country have temporarily reduced the number of buyers.

Light stores weighing 30kg to 35kg were selling for €32 to €36 over, with heavier lots weighing 38kg to 40kg selling from €78 to €84. There are reports of increasing number of hill cross store lambs offered for sale in western marts as grass supplies start to drop off on upland ground.

Breeding hoggets have steadied in price. Good-quality lowland and Mule-cross hoggets are making €150 to €170, with top-quality lots making upwards of €200 at special sales. Plainer lots are selling back to €140.

Demand for breeding ewe lambs has really taken off this week. Lambs weighing 40kg to 42kg, and suitable for breeding, are being sold at prices of €110 up to €140.