Monday’s sheep sale at Fermoy Mart saw a good trade, considering the current climate. Mart manager Sean Leahy said that factory demand was steady, but there was good butcher demand for heavy types, which boosted prices.

Factory lambs from 45kg to 48kg sold mainly from €93 to €97/head, with quality and cover having a major impact on prices.

Lambs from 40kg to 45kg sold mainly from €87 to €93/head. Demand for store lambs was strong and steady also. Lambs around 40kg sold from €75 to €83/head, with some reaching as high as €85/head. Lighter lambs from 35kg to 38kg sold mainly from €70 to €75/head, with some going for a shade under €70.

The cull ewe trade continues to be strong, according to Sean, with fleshed ewes and short-keep types selling from €100 to €120/head, with prices averaging at around €110 to €112/head. Demand for these has been solid in recent weeks, with factory buyers active.

Lighter and plainer-quality cull ewes were a solid trade also. At Monday’s sale, feeding ewes sold mainly from €60 to €90/head, with prices in the main ranging from €70 to €80/head. Again, age and quality were the two main factors influencing prices. Commission rates are an entry fee of 60c/head and 1.33% to the buyer and seller to a minimum of €1.60/head.