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Last Monday saw the first sales of 2018 take place at Raphoe Mart.
The sheep sale saw strong factory and butcher demand once again. Prices were similar to sales before Christmas, with a little more bite for well-fleshed slaughter-fit types.
Heavy butchers lambs over 48kg were a strong trade once again, with the largest demand for heavy, well-fleshed types. At the upper end of the trade for those over 53kg, prices ranged mainly from €110/head to €116/head, with quality and cover the main issues affecting prices. Types from 50kg to 52kg and those carrying a little less flesh received the lower prices of €100/head to €110/head. Factory agents were active once again for all good-quality fleshed lambs and hoggets. Again, the level of flesh and quality were the main drivers of prices. Those from 45kg to 48kg sold mainly from €95/head to €103/head.
Those from 42kg to 45kg sold mainly from €92/head to €95/head. Forward store lambs from 38kg to 42kg sold from €80/head to €92/head, while those from 34kg to 37kg sold from €72/head to €82/head. Stores from 30kg to 34kg sold mainly from €65/head to €75/head. A selection of cull ewes made from €60/head to €80/head for plain and light types and from €80/head to €129/head for better quality fat ewes.
Lamb trade steady at €5.00/kg to €5.10/kg
Factory demand strong for fleshed hoggets but numbers small so far
Heavy lambs sell to £98 at Kilrea Mart
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