Demand for finished lambs was strong this week. Fleshed lots weighing 45kg to 47kg are moving from €93 to €100/head, or €48 to €53 over the weight. These prices are up €2 to €3/head on last week.

Lambs selling from 48kg to 50kg are making €98 to €102/head.

The greatest lift in prices was seen in lambs weighing over 50kg.

Prices were up €3 to €4/head for most lots, with fleshed lambs selling from €105 to €110/head in the main and some prices exceeding the €110/head mark for top-quality lots.

Store lamb prices are steady. Demand is improving in places, as fodder crops become ready for grazing. Most marts are reporting full clearances now.

Store lambs weighing 30kg to 34kg are selling from €65 to €75/head.

Heavier stores weighing 35kg to 38kg are selling from €75 to €85/head or €40 to €47 over the weight.

Store lambs weighing 39kg to 44kg are selling from €88 to €92/head, with some making €2 to €3/head more if they are closer to finish.

Lighter hill-bred lambs are still selling from €1.55/kg to €1.65/kg. Crossbred lambs are selling from €1.90/kg to €2/kg.

Breeding hoggets are selling from €120/head to €160/head. Numbers available in sales are reducing considerably now.

Cull ewes

Cull ewe prices in the marts remain variable.

Feeding ewes are selling from €45 to €80/head. Fleshed ewes are selling from €90 to €105/head, with some large-framed lots making up to €110/head in sales where there was stronger demand.

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Sheep trends: lamb quotes slow to rise