Factory lamb prices are holding steady in the marts, with no major change. Fleshed factory-fit lambs weighing 46kg to 50kg are selling from €95 to €103/head.

Fleshed lambs with smaller frames weighing 44kg to 45kg are selling from €90 to €95/head. Heavier lots weighing over 50kg are selling from €100 to €110/head.

Higher prices paid are dependent on butcher and wholesaler activity to boost competition.

It is hoped that improved factory demand will help boost prices for fleshed lambs in the marts over the next few days.

There are more store lamb buyers in the market now, with grass supplies in a better place and catch crops coming on stream for grazing. Lambs weighing 40kg to 44kg are selling from €80 to €90/head. Lighter lambs weighing 36kg to 40kg are selling from €70 upwards. Lighter hill-bred lambs are selling from €1.55/kg to €1.60/kg. Crossbred lambs are selling from €1.90/kg to €2/kg.

Breeding sales are beginning to wind down now, with prices continuing to disappoint sellers. Good-quality hoggets are selling from €140 to €160/head, with the odd top-quality lot selling above this range. Crossbred hoggets are selling back at prices of €120 to €130/head. Mature two-year-old ewes are selling from €100 to €130/head, with some good-quality lots selling for over €140/head.

Cull ewes

Heavy cull ewes are selling from €80 to €100/head, with some very heavy-framed ewes making up to €115/head. These prices have fallen back in line with factory quotes, as the large sheep kill resulted in falling demand and price. Lowland-bred feeding ewes are selling from €50 to €70/head, with crossbred ewes selling back at €30 to €50/head.