Sheep prices in some mart sales have increased by anywhere from €5 to €20/head, as buying ramps up ahead of the Islamic religious festival of Eid al-Adha.
Demand has been boosted by interest from live exporters purchasing sheep for exporting to a number of European markets as well as North Africa, and wholesalers exporting sheep in carcase form.
The standout feature this week was the export of almost 2,000 hoggets by plane to Algeria. The Irish Farmers Journal understands that another similar consignment is lined up to take off later in the week.
Significant live exports to Europe of lambs and hoggets have been taking place since last week via truck and roll-on /roll-off ferry transport.
The timing of Eid al-Adha, which takes place from Tuesday 26 May to Saturday 30 May, coincides with sheep numbers falling to their lowest level and a kill of just over 32,000 head for last week.
Live prices for lambs weighing 46kg to 48kg ranged on average from €220 to €230/head in sales, with strong competition and heavier lambs rising to €240/head in some cases.
Base quotes in factories are in the region of €10/kg to €10.10/kg for quality assured (QA) lambs and €9.50/kg to €9.60/kg for QA hoggets.
Lamb prices are running about €1/kg higher than the corresponding period in 2025, or about €20 on a typical 20kg carcase, while live prices in marts are €20 to €30/head higher.
Hogget prices are running almost €2/kg higher, or about €45/head on a 23kg carcase.
SHARING OPTIONS