Mart managers report demand for store lambs has reignited in the last week. Demand had slackened off for a few weeks in September during a period of fine weather which allowed beef and suckler farmers a chance to graze more ground.

With housing now taking place in greater frequency on these farms, there is renewed interest in the trade.

There is strong demand in many areas for short-keep lowland lambs capable of grazing off paddocks while achieving a good thrive and not requiring significant volumes of concentrates.

Lowland lots weighing upwards of 40kg continue to range anywhere from €85 for plain-quality ram lambs to upwards of €100 for well-presented wether and ewe lambs.

Lambs weighing 35kg to 38kg are slightly stronger, with €2/kg the opening price for plain-quality crossbreds, while better-quality lots are rising to €2.20/kg to €2.35/kg for nice-quality tight-woolled lowland lambs.

Specialist feeders are also buying higher numbers of longer-keep lambs, which is helping the trade for hill lambs. Scotch ram lambs are opening at a price of €1.90/kg to €2.00/kg for lighter and small-framed types and rising to €2.15/kg to €2.25/kg for larger-framed lambs.

Scotch and Cheviot ewe lambs are selling from €2.20/kg to €2.45/kg depending on quality.

Demand remains strong for factory-type lambs. Fleshed lots weighing 47kg to upwards of 50kg range from €108 to €113 on average, with top-quality lots attracting more competition and rising to €115.

Butcher-type lambs are capable of pushing prices above this range for select lots of excellent-quality lots with top prices hitting and exceeding €120 per head.

Reports on the cull ewe trade are variable with some marts reporting a continued strong trade while others report prices easing by €5 to €8 per head where big numbers are on offer and demand has eased.

Large-framed fleshed ewes are selling anywhere from €105 to €125, while medium-sized ewes range from €90 to €110. A strong appetite for feeding ewes is helping to keep a good floor under the trade, with lowland types from €70 to €90 and hill ewes anywhere from €35 to €55 for Scotch types.