That said, demand from factory agents and butchers remains solid.

Those over 50kg are selling mainly from €107 to €112, with prices of up to €115 being paid for small numbers at the top of the market.

Factory agent activity is strong, but there are reports of them focusing harder on better-fleshed lambs. Hoggets from 45kg to 48kg are selling mainly from €99 to €107/head for average types, with better-conformed and well-fleshed types making over €110/head, back slightly on last week.

Those lacking flesh are a little easier, with prices of €92 to €94/head more common.

Store demand is said to be steady, but there are larger numbers on offer than last week. Hoggets from 37kg to 42kg are selling mainly from €85 to €89/head. Those from 34kg to 37kg are selling mainly from €75 to €85/head. This is back slightly on last week but demand is still quite good. Light store hoggets are variable in terms of prices but demand is said to be fairly steady for these.

The cull ewe trade is said to be quite firm, with prices of heavy fleshed types ranging mainly from €90 to €120, while feeding ewes are selling from €60 to €80/head.

In-lamb ewes carrying 1.8 to 2.0 lambs are selling from €150 to €220, with age dictating prices paid.