We have seen another buoyant week for sheep sales right across the country, with factory agents and butchers still battling hard to secure supplies amid very tight numbers of fleshed hoggets.

Mart managers have reported a further strengthening in the prices paid for all well-fleshed types.

Hoggets over 50kg have seen prices improve by about €4 to €8/head once again. Better-fleshed heavy hoggets are making from €125 to €135 in many areas. But prices of up to €140/head are also being recorded in greater frequency. There have been some prices above this level where butchers and factory agents have locked horns for top-quality heavy hoggets.

Hoggets from 45kg to 48kg are selling mainly from €110 to €118/head for average types; up about €6 to €8/head.

Better-conformed and well-fleshed types are making from €119 to €128/head, up by a similar amount on last week.

Even lighter hoggets have been met with strong price increases.

Hoggets from 37kg to 42kg are selling mainly from €98 to €108/head.

Those from 34kg to 37kg are selling mainly from €84 to €94/head, an increase of about €5 to €8/head.

The main driver of store price has been tight supplies, with only small numbers on offer at marts throughout the country. Those from 30kg to 35kg are ranging mainly from €75 to €85/head.

The cull ewe trade remains strong, with the majority of culls averaging from €100 to €120/head in many areas.

At the top of the market, well-fleshed culls are making up to €135/head and a little over in some areas. Those carrying less flesh are making from €80 to €100/head.

There are very few ewes selling below a price of €50 to €60/head.