Tuesday’s sheep sale at Blessington mart saw a good entry of over 1000 sheep on offer. Mart manager, John Doyle said they are still a few weeks off the height of the sheep numbers, but the trade is holding up well so far.

He said that compared to the same week last year, the prices on offer were much higher, and sellers in the main are quite happy so far.

Having that said, prices are back by about €3-€4/head on last week, but demand is still very strong. Factory lambs sold from €97 to €107 while butcher lambs sold mainly from €106 to €112 at the top of the market for 50kg lambs.

John said that the cull trade continues to be very strong. Prices of fleshed ewes ranged mainly from €100 to €117, while light feeding ewes sold from €65 to €75 with better-quality types making up to €90/head.

John added that the number of store lambs on offer is now starting to lift at the mart. So far demand is quite strong, with plenty of buyers active.

Light stores from 28kg to 32kg sold from €69 to €72/head while heavier lambs up to 36kg sold to €78/head.

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Cattle prices: strong feeder and exporter activity continues at marts