Demand for lambs is increasing steadily in the marts in line with the factory price lifts.

Prices for factory-fit lambs have increased €3 to €6/head in marts, with factory agents keen for the limited numbers available.

Lambs weighing 48kg to 49kg are making €99 to €104/head, or €51 to €55 over the weight.

Over the past number of weeks, mart managers have commented that the number of factory-fit lambs available for sale has been lower than normal. However, with the wet weather and stronger prices, this may change.

In some sales, heavier lambs suitable for the butcher trade are making €104 to €109/head, or €55 to €62 over.

Store lamb prices are holding their own, with lambs weighing 33kg to 37kg making €80 to €84/head, or €47 over the weight. Heavier stores weighing 38kg to 40kg are making €85 to €90/head.

Demand for forward-store lambs has increased significantly among farmers, with lambs weighing 41kg to 44kg making €90 to €95/head, or up to €51 over. Scotch-bred ram lambs are selling for €1.65/kg to €1.75/kg, with lambs closer to being slaughter-fit making up to €2/kg.

Cull ewe prices are steady now, with some marts seeing an improvement in the trade.

One mart manager in the southeast said a northern buyer has had to keep a floor on the trade for the last three weeks in his sales.

Top prices paid in sales this week for large-framed fleshed ewes was €120 to €124/head.

Medium-sized fleshed ewes were making €90 to €107/head, while feeding ewes are selling for €65 upwards. Crossbred ewes are making €45 to €65/head and light Scotch-bred ewes are making €30+/head.