Tuesday’s sale at Roscrea Mart saw a slightly smaller entry of sheep on offer. According to mart staff, the trade overall was a shade better on the previous week as a result of the reduced entry on offer.

Overall, prices of both factory-fit and store lambs were up by €1 to €2/head as a result. Heavy butchers’ lambs followed suit with factory lambs in terms of prices increases.

Butchers’ lambs sold to a top price of €107, which was received for a top-quality 53kg lamb, while the main demand for butchers’ lambs saw prices range mainly from €104/head to €105/head, with plainer types selling to €103/head.

Factory agents were said to be very active for all well-fleshed lambs also, with the lower numbers adding a little more bite to the sale. Prices ranged mainly from €94.50 for 44kg to €98/head for 47kg, with many more around the 45kg mark selling for €94 to €95/head.

Store lambs were a slightly improved trade also, with farmers actively sourcing all good-quality types. The average 36kg to 38kg lamb sold mainly from €76 to €85/head, with some heavier 41kg lambs selling up to €87/head. Cull ewes sold to a top of €106.50/head, with the main supply of fleshed types selling from €85 to €100.

Commission rates are €1/head to the buyer and €1.50/head to the seller.