There was a flying trade for hoggets at Monday’s sheep sale in Athenry Mart, Co Galway. Prices increased by €3 to €5 per head on the previous sale, with manager Alan Barry reporting butcher and wholesale buyers increasing activity for the Easter trade.

The general run of prices for hoggets weighing 50kg to 58kg was €136 to €150, while Alan reports that a number of lots of excellent-quality hoggets sparked strong competition and pushed prices higher. The pick of these was €160 paid for a pen of 65kg hoggets described by Alan as having super length and size and still being lean.

There were a small number of lesser-quality hoggets selling back to €130 and Alan said this differential in price was evident across all weight ranges.

Hoggets weighing 46kg to 48kg sold from €120 to €140, with lots weighing 40kg to 43kg selling from €108 to €131. There were very few hoggets below this weight, with prices for store hoggets ranging from €53 to €67 over the €/kg.

The cull ewe trade was solid. Good lowland ewes sold from €80 to €100, while large-framed fleshed ewes sold from €100 to €130. Ewes with twin lambs at foot sold from €205 to €234, while single unit lots sold from €140 to €170.

Commission rates are 1.75% to the seller and €1.35 per hogget to the buyer.