Mart managers have reported that the number of fleshed lambs on offer right across the country remains tight, with factory agents extremely active in snapping up all fit lambs at sales across the country.

Demand from butchers is very strong also amid low supplies. Mart managers have also commented that store lamb demand has edged up slightly also.

Butchers’ lambs have seen an increase in prices once again in the order of €2/head, which is modest, but all sellers are happy with the prices on offer. Prices in the main are ranging from €123/head to €125/head, with some prices reaching €127.

Factory agents continue to push the prices of finished lambs higher and are eager for all that are fit.

Lambs from 45kg to 50kg are selling mainly from €113/head to €118/head, with some prices of up to €120/head being recorded at certain sales. This is steady to slightly higher than last week.

Lambs from 42kg to 44kg are ranging mainly from €97 to €107/head, with some making over €110/head. Some mart managers have commented that prices are about €1/head higher than last week.

Farmer buyers continue to be very active for stores and prices are remaining strong, with little to no change for most types. Lighter lambs from 30kg to 35kg are steady, with prices averaging from €70 to €80/head.

Those from 35kg to 38kg are selling mainly from €89 to €94/head, with some sales recording prices of up to €98/head. This marks an increase of about €1/head on last week. Heavier stores around 40kg are selling mainly from €96 to €105/head, which is steady on last week.

Cull ewes have seen prices rise in the past few weeks, with fat culls selling to over €130/head at many sales, with some going close to €140/head. Store ewes are selling mainly from €80 to €100/head, depending on quality.

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