There are variable reports returning from marts held since the start of the week. Many managers report slaughter-fit lambs being easier to the tune of €2 to €4/head. Numbers of fleshed sheep are tight in supply but managers say agents are more cautious with fears of factory prices being pulled in the wake of the main buying taking place for Eid al-Adha.

Fleshed lambs weighing 48kg to 52kg have sold in recent days from €108 for average-quality lots to €114 to €116 for better-quality types. Lighter lots weighing 44kg to 47kg are trading from €100 to €108 on average, with the best quality lots hitting €110 in places. Ewe lambs suitable for breeding are capable of securing a significant price premium with heavy lots weighing upwards of 45kg to 48kg selling from €120 to €135, while lighter lots weighing 40kg upwards are selling from €105 to €115.

Reports on the store lamb trade are also variable. Good lowland lambs weighing 34kg to 36kg continue to trade from €80 to €90 on average while heavier stores weighing 37kg to 40kg are selling anywhere from €85 to €93 depending on quality.

There are more crossbred lambs starting to appear in hill areas and in some sales prices are reported as easing slightly. Good continental-cross store lambs weighing 35kg to 38kg are selling from €75 to €85, while lighter lots around the 30kg to 32kg mark are selling from €67 to €74 on average. Light Scotch lambs are trading from around the €2/kg mark for plainer types to €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg for better-quality types.

There is more demand for cull ewes in recent days. Heavy fleshed ewes are selling in general from €105 to €125 with select lots exceeding this range. Medium-sized fleshed ewes are selling from €90 upwards while good lowland feeding ewes range from €80 to €90 on average.

There is still strong demand for small numbers of breeding sheep appearing in sales. Hogget prices range from €170 to €195, while good first and second crop ewes range on average from €130 to €180.