The mart trade has seen some upward momentum this week in terms of prices and numbers. Reports from a number of mart managers highlight greater activity among buyers for the live trade ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival next month.

Along with breeding sales and good demand for store lambs, there are plenty of outlets open to sheep farmers for a variety of sheep types. With more demand for heavy, fleshed lambs, factory agents are being forced to respond in order to fill order books. Prices have risen by €3 to €5 at most marts.

Lambs weighing 46kg to 49kg sold from €96 to €102. Factory-fit lambs weighing 43kg to 45kg sold from €87 to €95/head. At the top end of the market, heavy lambs weighing 50kg to 52kg are selling at a general run of €105 to €109/head. Buyers for the live trade are reported to be very active for these lambs.

Lambs suited to the butcher trade are selling at a general price run of €105 up to €118 for top-quality animals.

Fleshed ewes also saw an upward swing in price this week. Prices ranged from €90 to €116 for good-quality continental types.

Feeding ewes sold from €80 to €90 for well-bred animals, whereas broken mouth ewes and plainer lots sold back to €55 to €60.

Breeding hoggets are a variable trade. Good-quality hoggets are selling from €160 to €180, with top-quality continental types selling up to €200/head. Plainer lots are selling from €130 to €150.

Breeding ewes are selling from €120 to €160 for two- and three-year-old animals.