Sheep breeding sales across the country have kicked off, with strong demand being seen for quality lots.
Good-quality hoggets are generally selling from €320/upwards, with €350/head plus being paid for heavy, high-end, well-fleshed hoggets. Strong cull ewe prices have been said to have bolstered the trade, with many farmers off setting cull prices against the increase in replacement costs.
Quality Suffolk and Texel-cross lots have seen the highest prices achieved, with a high of €420/head being paid in Ennis Mart on Saturday last.
Ewe lambs with breeding potential are selling at a premium.
However, this trade is highly dependent on quality.
Top-end ewe lambs suitable for breeding this year are selling in the main from €220 up to €260, with lesser types being reportedly sought by factory agents at around €170 to €180.
Stores and fat lambs
Store lambs continue to rival fat lambs on price per kilo basis, with €3.20-€3.50/kg being paid for lots between 33 and 40kg liveweight.
Forward stores and lighter factory lambs in the 40-44kg bracket are selling in the main from €3.25 to €3.35/kg.
Heavy lambs weighing 49-53kg are topping out at €3.45/kg for the majority of lots, equating to a top price per head of €183, though few are breaking above €180.
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