Ramadan is really keeping a floor under prices for lambs in the marts, with factory agents keen for in-spec nicely fleshed lambs. If lambs are not in-spec, price reductions are common.

Weights are the main issue factory agents have with lambs being presented for sale. With the mild spring, lambs are thriving very well and, in turn, weighing heavier than expected.

There are some very heavy lambs being presented for sale in the marts, weighing well over 50kg

The high weights are having a big impact on the prices paid for both spring lambs and hoggets. There are some very heavy lambs being presented for sale in the marts, weighing well over 50kg.

In a lot of cases, these lambs are only being paid up to €125/head and are, at times, making less per head than lighter lambs weighing 45kg to 47kg.

In general, spring lambs weighing 43kg to 47kg made €120 to €127/head, with top prices of €132/head for top-quality lambs. Lambs weighing 40kg to 42kg sold for €115/head to €118/head. Lighter lots weighing 37kg to 39kg sold for €100 to €114/head.

Similarly, overweight hoggets are meeting a difficult trade in the marts. Factory agents have not much appetite for these very heavy hoggets. Average-sized hoggets weighing 50kg to 53kg are making anywhere from €120/head to €125/head.

This week there were some price reductions for hoggets of €3 to €4/head, with agents keener for spring lambs if available.

Cull ewes

Cull ewe prices remain firm, with factory agents very active in sales. Average-quality fleshed ewes are making €120 to €132/head, with top prices of up to €145/head paid for large-framed fleshed ewes. Some smaller-framed but fleshed ewes are making €110 to €120/head. Lowland-bred store ewes are from €70 upwards.