The severe factory price cuts have had a knock-on negative effect in the marts. Prices are back €10 to €12/head on average for lambs as a result of the reductions. Factory agents are still keen to source lambs but it is unfortunately at a much lower level.
Fleshed factory-fit lambs weighing 43kg to 46kg are making from €118 to €125/head, or €75 to €79 over the weight. Where quality is mixed, prices could be €2 to €5/head lower. Heavier lambs weighing over 48kg with good flesh cover are making a little over €130/head when butchers are on hand to add some competition. Lambs weighing 41kg to 42kg are selling on average from €108 to €115/head, with lighter fleshed lambs weighing back to 39kg selling from €100 to €105/head. Store lambs weighing 35kg to 38kg are selling from €85 to €98/head.
Hogget prices have also eased but numbers and quality is diminishing fast. Hoggets weighing 48kg to 50kg are making €118 to €130/head, or €70 to €80 over the weight. Fleshed hoggets over 50kg are making up to €132/head.
Ewes with lambs at foot are still being traded in strong numbers at sales. Ewes with two lambs are selling from €180 to €250/unit. Ewes with a single lamb are selling from €150 to €230/unit.
In most sales, prices are influenced by the age of ewes, but more so by the quality of ewes and lambs.
Fleshed cull ewes are selling from €115 to €135/head with top quality lots making in excess of €140/head. Lighter ewes are selling from €60 to €100/head.
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