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There is some price variation starting to creep into some sheep sales, especially for finished lambs, as factory agents try to contain expectations.
Reductions in factory quotes are leading to price drops of €2 to €3/head, especially in marts in the west.
Despite the lower prices, agents are still not willing to leave lambs behind them in sales and have gone that bit further to secure numbers.
On the other hand, some sales in the eastern half of the country continue to see strong prices paid for all types of sheep.
Where prices have held steady, lambs over 50kg are selling for €125 up to €135/head. However, price reductions of €2 to €3/head have been evident in some sales for lambs in that weight bracket.
Again, variation in prices for lambs weighing 45kg to 50kg is creeping in between marts.
Lambs weighing 46kg to 49kg are selling from €112 to €120/head. Last week, a lot of lambs in that weight range were making over €120/head, but in sales where the trade has been coming under pressure this price has been less frequent.
Top prices for cull ewes peaked at €136/head this week. Most ewes with a cover of flesh are moving at €100 to €120/head. Feeding ewes are moving from €60/head upwards.
Every week there are more ewes with lambs at foot in sales.
Ewes with twin lambs at foot are selling from €190 to €240/unit, with the age and condition of the ewes having a big bearing on price. Ewes with a single lamb at foot are selling from €140 to €200/unit. Prices for in-lamb ewes are ranging from €135 to €190/head.
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