Lamb prices eased last week in most marts as factories pull back quotes.

Prices have fallen by €3/head to €4/head in the marts for factory-fit lambs. Most fleshed lambs weighing 43kg to 44kg are selling for €102/head to €108/head, or €59 to €64 over the weight.

There are some exceptions where stronger competition among factory agents drove prices up to €110/head. Heavier, butcher type lambs have not seen the same downturn in prices.

Factory agents have commented that heavier lambs are notably scarcer this year because farmers have become better at drafting lambs at recommended weights.

The scarcity is helping to create a lively butcher trade. Those lambs weighing 45kg to 48kg are selling for €109 to €114/head. Butcher lambs weighing 50kg+ are selling at €115 to €130/head.

The store lamb trade has been off to a promising start. Short-keep store lambs weighing 39kg to 41kg are selling for €87 /head to €97/head, with some lambs making up to €100/head where there is a good flesh cover.

Lighter lambs weighing 30kg to 34kg are selling from €75/head to €82/head, or €45 to €48 over. Breeding ewes and hoggets are starting to appear in mart sales. Hoggets are selling for €160/head to €180/head, with top-quality hoggets making €200/head. Mature ewes are selling from €120 to €145/head.

Cull ewes

Cull ewe prices have picked up in the marts by €2/head to €3/head.

Factory fit ewes are selling for €100 to €115/head. Top prices of €130/head were paid.

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