Mart managers in the east have commented that there are plenty of customers about for store lambs. After a very rocky start to the trade in July during the height of the drought, a recovery in demand is welcome news. Hill-bred lambs are selling from €1.50/kg to €1.65/kg. Crossbred lambs are moving from €1.90/kg to €2/kg, with some breaching the €2/kg mark.

Lowland-bred stores weighing 30kg to 35kg are selling from €65 to €80/head or €35 to €45 over the weight. Heavier store lambs weighing 36kg to 39kg are selling from €80 to €84/head. Forward store lambs weighing 40kg to 44kg are selling from €85 to €95/head. Large-framed ewe lambs are seeing strong demand too, with price premiums anywhere from €5 to €10/head over their wether counterparts.

There is not much change in price or demand for fleshed lambs in the marts. Prices for factory-fit lambs are in or around €95 to €104/head, with €50 paid on top of the weight a common trend. Small increases in factory quotes have helped improve the average price paid, with more fed lambs making over €100/head. Very heavy lambs are making up to €110/head, with prices above this point a rare occurrence.

Cull ewes

The cull ewe trade is seeing some improvement after a difficult period. More heavy fleshed ewes are selling over €100/head, with prices of €120/head not unheard of. Feeding ewes are selling from €60 to €90/head. Prices have been sticky over the past number of months, with a very high sheep kill dampening demand.

With breeding sales winding down, hoggets are selling from €120 to €150/head in the main with the odd exception. Mature breeding ewes are selling from €100 to €150/head.