Another week has passed with very strong prices for all classes of sheep in marts around the country. The strong prices have given a boost to farmers which is badly needed after the most expensive spring in years for most producers.

There is a steadier flow of spring lambs in sales now and hogget numbers continue to decline. Spring lambs weighing 43kg to 46kg are making €130 to €148/head, or €87 to €102 over the weight. There is a good supply of lighter lambs this year weighing in the region of 35kg to 42kg making €110 to €125/head.

Lambs weighing 47kg to 50kg continue to sell for €145 to €150/head. In some sales, butchers and wholesalers are pushing prices for heavy fleshed lambs over €150/head.

Fleshed hoggets weighing 45kg to 50kg are making €120 to €140/head, or €75 to €90 over the weight. Heavier lots weighing over 50kg with good flesh cover are touching prices of €145/head.

Lighter hoggets lacking flesh weighing 40kg to 45kg are selling from €90 to €115/head.

Ewes with lambs at foot are selling from €120 for aged ewes with singles to €180 for a young ewe with one strong lamb. Ewes with two lambs are selling from €180 to €260/unit.

Cull ewes

There are big numbers of cull ewes in some sales. With lambing tailing off now, many farmers are taking the opportunity to cull problem ewes from flocks. Fleshed ewes are selling for €115 to €130/head. As always, larger ewes with good flesh cover are commanding top prices. Some sales saw prices for these large-framed flesh ewes reach €140/head. Feeding lowland-bred ewes are starting at prices of €70 upwards.