The store trade is performing very well in the marts on the back of surplus grass growth on many farms. Numerous store lamb buyers returned to sales again this year because summer grazing has paid dividends over the past number of years.

In the southwest, crossbred lambs are selling for €2/kg to €2.40/kg, while Scotch-bred lambs are selling for €1.80/kg to €1.90/kg. These lambs are moving from the south to farms in the midlands and east where they are usually finished off grass.

Lowland-bred store lambs weighing 35kg to 38kg are selling for €78 to €90/head, or €43 to €52 over the weight. Short-keep store lambs weighing 40kg to 43kg are making from €90 to €98/head, or €50 to €55 over.

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Factory agent activity has also strengthened in the marts, with agents notably keener for supplies of finished lamb. Factory lambs weighing 45kg to 48kg are making €100 to €108/head, or €55 to €60 over. Heavier lambs suitable for the butcher trade are making up to €115/head to €120/head.

Some mart managers report that there has been an increase in the amount of buyers available for feeding ewes. Lowland-bred cull ewes in need of feeding are selling from €70 to €100/head. Cross-bred and Scotch feeding ewes are selling for €25 to €60/head. Fleshed lowland ewes are making up to €120/head.

More breeding ewes are being traded now. Lowland-bred breeding hoggets are making €140 to €180/head. Scotch hoggets are selling from €110 to €115/head. Two-year-old ewes are selling for €130 to €150/head.

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Sheep trends: upward momentum on prices