The sheep trade is being firmly influenced by tightening supplies of slaughter-fit hoggets and spring lambs slowly entering the market. This was evident at this Monday’s sheep sale in Raphoe mart, where competition was described as full of life.

Butcher buyers drove the trade for spring lambs and were especially active for young, fleshed lambs. Manager Ann Harkin reported prices for these top quality lots weighing 42kg to 45kg ranging from €130 to €147.50 per head.

Factory agents were active for aged, lower grade and heavier spring lambs but met competition from wholesale buyers with prices ranging from €120 to €130 for the lesser quality lots and to €135 for heavier, plainer quality types.

More ewe hoggets

There was a noticeable increase in the entry of ewe hoggets with some farmers taking advantage of the firm market to trade unsuitable replacements. Some farmers view the current trade as a better sales avenue than retaining hoggets until the back end, particularly after two mixed years trading.

With some unplanned sales, quality is mixed with tail-end supplies also appearing. Hoggets weighing 48kg to 54kg but lacking flesh sold from €120 to €125 with fleshed slaughter-fit lots selling to €135.

Butchers and wholesalers were also active for suitable sheep. Meanwhile, farmers purchasing ewe hoggets for stocking rate requirements also entered the trade for nice quality ewe hoggets. This pushed prices for the best quality lots to €143 per head.

Ewes with lamb at foot

Ann reported firm demand for a good entry of ewes with lambs at foot. Competition is being helped by some buyers turning their attention to ewes and lambs due to tighter supplies of hoggets.

Price is dependent on quality and age of both ewes and lambs on offer. Good quality third- and fourth-crop ewes with lambs aged three- to four-week-old sold in general from €200 to €250, with young ewes and strong lambs rising to shy of €300 per unit.

A similar trend was evident for ewes with single lambs at foot with prices ranging from €150 to €200.