Monday’s sheep sale at New Ross Mart saw an increased entry of sheep on offer. Heavy weights were met with very strong demand from butchers and prices of these ranged mainly from €112 to €119/head, with buyers continuing to be active for all well-fleshed heavy lambs.

The main demand for factory lambs saw agents paying from €93 to €109/head, with prices averaging at about €100/head. Richard said that the best prices were paid for better-quality lambs carrying more flesh.

However, with the current weather conditions, there have been a greater proportion of lambs coming out a little under-fleshed.

The store trade continues to hold well, with prices ranging mainly from €74 to €92 for stores. However, Richard said that the main driver behind the solid store trade so far has been the low entries thus far.

He added that with grass supplies non-existent around the country, there is a fear that if numbers of stores increase quickly in the coming weeks, demand will not meet supply.

Cull ewes were a strong trade once again and sold from €112 to €133 for slaughter-fit types, while feeding ewes sold mainly from €66 to €106/head. Like store lambs, lesser-quality store ewes are being met with noticeably less buyer demand.

Commission rates are 1.65% to the seller and 2% to the buyer.