The number of spring lambs appearing in mart sales remains very small. In one sale in the southeast, 40kg spring lambs sold for €119/head. In general, spring lambs weighing 40kg to 44kg are selling from €112 to €124/head.

In line with the recent trend of reduced factory kill numbers, the amount of sheep on offer at sales has also been low. This trend has likely held the hogget trade in its current steady position, with some mart managers commenting that buying agents were a little more eager for numbers.

Hoggets weighing 47kg to 50kg are selling for €107 to €115/head, or €60 to €65 over the weight. The €115/head mark seems to be most factory agents’ limit for fleshed lots; hoggets selling above these prices are more than likely destined for the butcher trade.

Lighter hoggets weighing 42kg to 46kg are selling for €90 to €105/head.

Numbers of ewes with lambs at foot are holding firm in sales. Ewes with one lamb are selling from €140 to €180/unit, while ewes with two lambs are selling from €200 to €265/unit. Good-quality young ewes suitable for future breeding are commanding the strongest demand.

Cull ewes

Factory agents continue to show strong interest in cull ewes. Demand is firm for all types, but particularly strong for ewes with good flesh cover.

Most average-sized ewes with a reasonable flesh cover are selling for €105 to €115/head. Heavier well-fleshed ewes are selling for €118 to €135/head. Lighter store lowland-bred sheep are moving at €75 to €100/head. Slaughter-fit crossbred ewes are selling for €70 to €75/head. Lighter crossbred ewes in need of feeding are moving at €35 to €45/head. Good-quality Scotch-bred ewes with flesh are making €50 to €55/head, with lighter lots lacking condition selling from €40/head.