Mart sales have hit peak throughput, with entries driven by higher numbers of store lambs coming on to the market and breeding sales gaining in intensity.

Many mart managers report that while the store lamb trade is facing downward price pressure, it is still relatively positive given the reduction in deadweight lamb prices and tight supplies of grass in many parts of the country.

Prices for finished lambs vary massively across sales. The general run of prices for factory lambs weighing 45kg to 48kg ranges anywhere from €112 to €132, with flesh cover and kill-out potential dictating prices paid.

Numbers of heavier well-fleshed lambs are in very tight supply, with some mart sales held this week recording top prices for butcher-type lambs rising to €142 to €145 and reaching as high as €148 to €150 in isolated cases.

Latest cuts

These higher prices have been harder come by as the week has progressed, with factory agents filtering in the latest cuts of in the region of 20c/kg.

Reports indicate there are more lambs presented that are in the region of factory weights, but lacking significant flesh cover and, ideally, needing a few weeks of feeding before drafting for slaughter.

Flesh cover is also having a big say on prices for shorter-keep store lambs.

Lots weighing 40kg to 42kg are trading anywhere from €88 to €112 depending on quality.

The trade for plainer-quality ewe lambs has cooled, but good-quality lots with breeding potential are still commanding a price premium.

Lighter stores

Lighter store lambs weighing in the mid-30kg bracket are also recording a wide differential in price. The general run of prices is ranging from €2.40/kg to €2.70/kg, but there are select lots of top-quality store lambs recording prices of €2.80/kg to €3/kg.

Top-quality ewe hoggets possessing size and strong breeding potential are selling from €185 to €230/head.

Demand for such types is relatively stable, with medium-sized nice-quality hoggets from €170 to €190. Plainer-quality and small-framed hoggets are selling from €150 to €160.