Yesterday’s sheep sale at Tullamore Mart saw another strong trade for all heavy and factory-fit lambs.

Mart manager Antoinette Daly said that there was another very large entry again for the sale, with additional numbers brought out by an improved trade last week.

She said that there was a good turn-out of factory agents again this week, which helped to keep prices up.

Lambs from 40kg to 45kg sold mainly from €90 to €96, those from 45kg to 50kg sold from €96 to €107 for 47kg.

Heavy lambs over 50kg were a very strong trade again and sold from €110 to €112/head, while heavier types over 55kg sold to a top price of €116/head which was paid for a pen of nine 59kg lambs.

Butcher demand remains strong for all well-fleshed heavy types. There was another good entry of fat ewes on offer also, with the majority being good-quality fleshed types.

Prices ranged from a low of €87/head to a top price of €111/head. Prices averaged from €96 to €102/head.

Store lambs were a solid trade, with good-quality types making up to €86/head for 35kg. Lighter types made from €66 to €79/head. Commission rates are €2 to sell and €1.30 to buy.