The store trade is holding its own after the rocky start this summer. Sellers will be hoping to see better demand next week, as the first instalment of the Basic Payment Scheme rolls out on Tuesday.

A strong store cattle trade may also help boost store lamb prices, as they represent a less daunting investment.

Store lambs weighing 30kg to 34kg are selling from €65 to €70/head, with nice-type ewe lambs making a €5 to €10/head premium.

Heavier stores weighing 35kg to 38kg are selling from €72 to €80/head or €37 to €42 over the weight.

Store lambs weighing 39kg to 44kg are selling from €82 to €87/head, with some making €2 to €3/head more if they are closer to finish. Lighter hill-bred lambs are selling from €1.55/kg to €1.65/kg. Crossbred lambs are selling from €1.90/kg to €2/kg.

The factory lamb market is holding steady, with signs that agents are keener this week. Fleshed lots weighing 45kg to 47kg are moving from €90 to €97/head. Lambs selling from 48kg to 50kg are making €98 to €102/head. Lambs over 50kg are selling up to €110/head. There has been a little more bite of late for heavy fleshed lots.

On the breeding sale side, quality and quantity are reducing fast. Hoggets are selling from €120 to €170/head, with quality and size dominating price. Two-year-old breeding ewe prices have also seen a large variation in price, with lots selling from €110 to €150/head.

Prices for cull ewes have eased slightly. Fleshed ewes are selling from €90 to €105/head, with some large-framed lots making more in sales where there was a number of active buyers. Feeding ewes are selling from €50 to €85/head.