One-thousand mule and greyface breeding ewe hoggets were offered for sale at the Mayo Mule and Greyface Group’s premier hogget sale on Friday 21 August, with just 40 sheep going home unsold.
Keen demand was seen for sharp, well-framed mule hoggets, while lighter mules and greyfaced types were an easier trade.
The average price achieved at this year’s sale saw mule hoggets sell for €309/head, back from a record high of €346/head last year, while greyface hoggets traded to an average of €263/head, back from last year’s average of €281/head.
Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, mart manager Teresa Gibsey noted that while the average was back, keen demand was still seen.
"We had buyers from Donegal, Carlow, Louth and Meath, with southern buyers from Cork and Kerry also present on the day," she said.
"Average hogget weight was 68kg, which is the same as last year."
Topping the trade was the second-prizewinners on the day from Charles Connolly. Weighing 79kg, these powerful hoggets sold ringside for €400/head.
Seventeen lots sold between €350 and €400/head, with 33 lots selling between €300 and €345/head.
The group’s premier ewe lamb sale takes place on Saturday 22 August, with 1,400 lambs on offer, with online bidding available via MartBids.
This pen of second-prizewinning hoggets weighing 79kg sold for the top price of €400/head.
This pen of mule hoggets weighing 79kg sold for €395/head.
This pen of mule hoggets weighing 76kg sold for €375/head.
This pen of mule hoggets weighing 69kg sold for €350/head.
This pen of mule hoggets weighing 69kg sold for €330/head.
This pen of mule hoggets weighing 66kg sold for €300/head.
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