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Reports from mart managers have been variable in the last week.
Some mart managers report an increase in throughput not being met by an equivalent lift in demand, with prices easing by between €1/head and €2/head.
The factory trade has been largely steady, with lambs weighing 45kg to 48kg selling from €85 to €94 and flesh cover having a big influence on price.
Heavier lambs are finding it difficult to top €100, with the exception of ewe lambs attracting competition from farmer buyers.
Store lambs are steady in general, with the best demand for forward or short-keep stores. Good-quality lowland types weighing 37kg to 42kg are selling from €78 to €85, with lighter lots weighing 34kg to 37kg selling back to €72 to €74.
Light hill lambs are a difficult trade, with prices starting at €1.20/kg to €1.30/kg and rising to €1.50/kg to €1.65/kg for heavier Scotch ram and wether lambs.
Cull ewes are steady, with lowland feeding ewes selling from €50 to €70 on average and heavier types to over €80. Slaughter-fit ewes range from €70 for lighter crossbred types to €100 and over for heavy-carcase ewes.
Mule hoggets sell to €215 in Ballybofey Stranorlar mart
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