While the trade for heavy lambs appears to be holding relatively well in the southwest, lighter stores are starting to feel the pinch as buyers in the east and midlands contend with drought conditions.

Average prices for 30kg to 40kg lambs were back 7c/kg to €3.29/kg in Kenmare Mart at last Monday’s sale while those weighing 20kg to 30kg slipped by 31c/kg to €2.83/kg.

“It’s harder for our customers to buy them at the moment but if there was grass there, I think lambs would be as dear as last year,” said Dan McCarthy, mart manager.

Heavier lambs, if fed well, will do alright

“They’re back about 30c/kg to 50c/kg on the same time last year. There’s plenty of customers but they won’t take lamb until the grass grows again.

“Heavier lambs, if fed well, will do alright, but if they’re only on grass, they’re not making what they could.

“We’re getting up over €3.70/kg for those better Suffolk-type lambs but those needing more feeding are around €3.20/kg,” he said.

Weanlings

Dry weather has had less of an impact on weanling sales at the Kerry mart with bulls weighing between 300kg and 400kg at the sale last week trading for €4.88/kg.

Commenting on the cattle trade there, McCarthy said: “Bulls went away fine last Thursday. Most of the bull weanlings are being exported so the drought doesn’t seem to be affecting them as much as the store lambs. We’ll see how the heifers go this week.”