Camera at the mart was at last Monday’s fatstock sheep sale at Raphoe Mart. Mart manager Anne Harkin said that there was an entry of 1,200 sheep on offer, which was down on previous weeks, but with sales tailing off for the Christmas period, this is normal.

Anne said that the pay-on-the-day system operated by the mart has been a major benefit for farmers, who now receive payment on the day for the stock sold.

In terms of demand, there were plenty of factory agent buyers and butchers active. The number of butcher-type lambs on offer was slightly lower than demand on the day.

In terms of the show and sale, the best pen of five Suffolk lambs was won by Margaret Harkin, who received €112 each for the lambs. The first prize Texel-cross lambs went to peter Gallinagh, who got €149 each for his lambs weighing 49kg each.

Lambs weighing 47kg sold to €140, while €112/head was received twice for Suffolk-cross lambs. 45kg lambs sold to €103.5/head.

Lighter lambs sold mainly from €84/head for 40kg to €91/head for 43/kg.

Store lambs were a solid trade and sold from €82 for 37kg to €74/head for 33kg lambs. Farmer buyers continue to remain very active for stores.

Commission rates are 2% to the buyer and 2.2% to the seller.