The factory trade, in most areas, continues to be reasonably steady, although some marts are reporting another slight easing of demand.

The store trade continues to be strong right across the country, with a noticeable swing towards farmers buying store lambs for grass instead of cattle. This is placing a firm floor under lamb prices and is creating a base for the factory trade also.

Heavy butchers’ lambs over 50kg have been a good trade, with prices steady on recent weeks.

Prices are ranging mainly from €95 to €100, which is the same as last week.

Some marts are reporting prices of up to €102 to €104/head paid for top-quality heavy lambs at the top of the market, but numbers are low.

The dry spell has helped the trade in the past few days, with sales not quite as big as anticipated. Factory agent activity is good, but with factories not killing in some areas, this has led to a little reduction in demand. Factory lambs from 45kg to 50kg are selling mainly from €93 to €95, with some prices of over €95/head being recorded. Lambs from 42kg to 44kg are ranging mainly from €85 to €89/head, which is similar to last week.

The strong farmer demand for store lambs is helping prices and, as a result, some marts are reporting prices to be up by €2 to €3/head in recent days.

The average 40kg store is selling mainly from €79 to €82/head and up to €84/head at the top of the market.

Lighter store lambs from 35kg to 37kg are selling mainly from €76 to €78/head, depending on quality. Lighter types from 30kg to 35kg are selling mainly from €68/head to €73/head, up slightly on last week.

The trade for breeding hoggets is strong, with prices of better-quality types ranging from €150 to €180/head and to close on €200/head for choice lots at some sales.