Last Tuesday’s sale at Rathfirland co-op mart saw another big jump in lamb price, with numbers almost doubling from the previous week.

Farmer and factory agent demand was very strong on the day. These were the main reasons for the improved prices.

There were over 200 lots on offer with 309 ewes selling to £122 for Texels and £112. Fat lambs sold to a top price of £89.50 for 27kg halfweight, while Texel ram lambs sold to £100.

The top 10 lots of lambs sold from £86.50 to £89.50. Lighter lambs sold from £80/head for 22kg half weight upwards.

Store lambs were a flying trade on the day, driven by improved farmer demand. Light lots weighing about 11kg sold at approximately £40, while heavier stores sold to £77.50 for 20.5kg half weight.

There was an entry of 309 fat ewes on offer on the day. Good quality fat ewes sold mainly from £85 to £112, with top prices of up to £122 being paid. Fat rams sold to £140 per head.