There is not much change in the live sheep trade this week, with mart numbers remaining steady and demand remains much the same as the last two weeks, which is offering some stability to sheep farmers.

Finished lambs continue to remain a good trade, with up to €220/head paid in marts, a continued difference of €20/head on marts where butchers and wholesalers are active versus marts where just factory agents are buying.

Lambs weighing 55kg and up to 60kg are selling between €200 and €220/head. Lambs in the 48kg to 50kg bracket are selling for €178 to €190/head, with more factory-type lambs weighing between 44kg to 47kg selling for €160 up to €175/head.

ADVERTISEMENT

Marts in the southeast in particular are reporting an increase in activity from farmers buying store lambs, with over €4/kg being paid for top-quality lowland-type sheep.

A continued favour towards ewe lambs is noticed in marts, with up to €10/head in the difference in similar-quality ram lambs.

The bulk of lowland store lambs are selling between €3.50/kg and €4/kg, while lambs with a mountain cross are selling from €3.20/kg to €3.60/kg and horned lambs selling around the €3/kg mark, with extra paid for better-quality lambs.

The cull ewe trade has seen an injection of life, especially in the top-end ewes. Top prices of up to €300/head have been paid for the best ewes in marts, with these being paid for well-fleshed ewes weighing over 100kg and destined for a specialised European market.

The general trade for these is €2.40/kg upwards to €3/kg.

Buyers are slipping down the weights and are willing to pay between €2.50/kg and €2.80/kg for well-fleshed ewes weighing upwards of 80kg where numbers are tight.

Mid-range cull ewes carrying flesh are selling between €2/kg and €2.30/kg, with ewes lacking flesh falling short of the €2/kg mark.

The trade for mountain-cross ewes remains varied, depending on age and condition, with €1.50/kg the general run, but some aged ewes in poor condition are still selling back around the €1/kg to €1.20/kg mark.