Mart manager comment - Stephen Hannon

Last Saturday’s sale saw an increased entry of weanlings on offer, with better-quality types a strong trade.

Plainer types are still harder sold and export demand is not where it was this time last year.

The store trade saw strong demand for heavy types over 500kg, with prices ranging from €2.30/kg to €2.35/kg.

Last night’s sheep sale in Ballymote saw a steady trade on last week, with heavy butchers’ lambs selling to €113/head while factory lambs sold from €102 to €106/hd.

Breeding hoggets are back on last year with prices ranging mainly from €150 to €170/hd with the top prices up to €190/hd, which is a little back on the same time last year.