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Sheep prices are beginning to rise again in the marts after a period where factory agents were working hard to keep a lid on the trade.
Mart managers are reporting a more positive story this week, with price rises for fleshed factory-fit lambs evident.
A drop in throughput last week helped maintain prices and prevent a continuation of the price slide we saw recently.
This week, an improved outlook in the trade is helping to move prices back in the right direction and more in line with prices seen in January.
Most hoggets weighing over 50kg are selling for €120/head and higher. Top-quality lots are making up to €130/head, showing an improvement of €4 to €5/head.
Hoggets weighing 45kg to 49kg are making €110 to €120/head or €65 to €71 over the weight.
Store lambs are selling from €2.50/kg upwards, with lowland-bred lambs weighing 35kg to 40kg making €80 to €95/head, with some lambs closer to finish making up to €108/head.
Larger numbers of ewes with lambs at foot are being presented at sales as lambing season progresses. Ewes with a single lamb are selling from €150 to €190/unit, while ewes with twins are selling from €190 to €260/unit.
In-lamb ewes are selling from €140 to €180/head, with demand and supply varied. Crossbred in-lamb ewes start at a price of €100/head and move up to €125/head.
Heavy fleshed ewes are making up to €132/head this week. The trade is holding steady for ewes, with most fleshed ewes moving at prices of €100 to €122/head. Ewes lacking flesh with a medium-sized frame are selling from €75.
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