The mart trade remains very strong for spring lambs, with some mart managers reporting numbers running well behind last year’s levels. Others in the east of the country, where lambing dates are generally earlier, are starting to report entries building, but not with any great momentum as of yet.

Prices for fleshed lambs weighing 44kg to 46kg continue to range on average from €118 to €126/head. Butcher buyer interest for very suitable lambs has the potential to add an extra few euro to returns.

Heavier lambs weighing 47kg to 50kg are selling from €125 to €132, with top prices reported rising up to €5 higher for small volumes of excellent-quality lots. Interest also continues to build for small numbers of light lambs requiring further feeding, with lambs weighing 38kg to 40kg ranging anywhere from €95 to €110/head.

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The large variance in price is stemming from factory agents dropping down in weight for slaughter-fit lambs.

The trade for ewes with lambs at foot is brisk. Single-lamb lots are selling from €100 for hill and crossbred lots to €150 to €180 for young lowland ewes or those with strong lambs at foot. Ewes with twin lambs are selling from €130 to €160 for aged hill and crossbred ewes, while the trade for young lowland ewes is firm. Prices range from €180 to €250 for good-quality outfits.

The ewe trade has also improved, with good-quality fleshed lowland ewes selling from €85 to €115, while those lacking flesh are selling back to €50 to €60.