The strong market performance and record prices for lambs, hoggets and cull ewes to date in 2021 has generated huge confidence in sheep breeding sales.

The first major sale of the breeding ewe lamb and ewe hogget sales calendar took place in Tullow Mart on Wednesday.

The entry of 1,000 ewe hoggets in the Tullow Sheep Breeders Association premier sale recorded prices of €220 to €285 per head, which is an increase of €20 to €40 on 2020 levels.

Ewe lambs, meanwhile, increased by an average of €20 to €25 per head with prices ranging from €140 to €170 and reaching as high as €275 for prizewinners.

The optimism is attracting much more interest from young farmers, which should bring about a well-needed reduction in the age profile of sheep farmers.

Sheep farmers in Northern Ireland are witnessing a similar trend.

The annual sale of breeding sheep from the Jalex flock of Nelson and James Alexander, Co Antrim, saw a superb trade last weekend.

Hoggets averaged £259 across 1,038 head with pens making £220 (€258) to £440 (€517) with the sale topping out at £580 (€682).

Breeding sales at NI marts are generally recording £160 to £210 for hoggets (€188 to €247) so far, with prices up £20 to £25.