Last week, we reported that sheep prices were beginning to rise again in the marts after a period where factory agents were working hard to keep a lid on the trade.

Mart managers were reporting a more positive outlook, with price rises for fleshed factory-fit lambs common in sales around the country.

Hopes that this rise would reignite a continuation of price rises similar to what we saw in early January have been short-lived. It looks like sellers will just have to put up with a steady trade for hoggets.

Hoggets weighing over 50kg are selling anywhere from €120/head to €130/head, which is very similar to where the trade was at last week. In the majority of sales, good-quality fleshed hoggets over 50kg are making over €125/head.

Lighter hoggets weighing 45kg to 49kg continue to sell from €110 to €120/head, with some nice-quality hoggets making up to €122/head.

Lowland-bred store lambs weighing 35kg to 40kg are making €80 to €95/head, with some fleshier lambs making up to €105/head.

Breeding ewes with lambs at foot are showing a strong presence in sales. Ewes with a single lamb are selling from €140 to €185/unit, while ewes with twins are selling from €180 to €280/unit, with most selling from €220 to €240/unit.

Top prices for heavy fleshed ewes are hitting €140/head this week. The trade is holding steady for ewes, with most fleshed ewes moving at prices of €98 to €120/head. Lighter-framed ewes lacking flesh but showing potential for feeders are selling from €85/head upwards.