There is renewed optimism in sheep marts, with prices in most marts shooting upwards for all types of lambs. Farmer buyers are playing a greater role in sales now and adding another layer of competition for stock.

Regardless of the greater number of farmer buyers, factory agents and butchers are keen for lambs now and are willing to push the frontiers to secure numbers of fleshed lambs.

Factory-fit lambs

Factory-fit lambs weighing 43kg to 45kg are selling for €103 to €115/head, or €60 over the weight. Lambs from 47kg to 50kg are selling anywhere from €116/head to €125/head and select pens are making as much as €130/head.

Short-keep wether lambs weighing 40kg+ are selling for €95/head to €102/head, with prices dependent on flesh cover.

The trade for store lambs and ewe lambs is off to a flying start. Store lambs weighing 37kg to 39kg are selling from €82/head to €95/head. Lambs weighing 30kg to 36kg are selling from €70/head to €82/head.

Ewe lambs

Ewe lambs in these weight ranges, showing good breeding characteristics are making significant price premiums.

Farmers who made the effort to separate and market their ewe lambs are seeing the benefits in terms of improved prices.

A sharp trade for cull ewes continues. Heavy fleshed ewes are making top prices of €130/head to €135/head.

Average sized, fleshed ewes are selling for €110/head to €120/head, with forward store ewes selling for €90 to €105/head. Lighter-framed ewes lacking flesh are selling from €50 to €85/head.

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