Mart managers are reporting that prices are generally steady this week for both factory-fit lambs and stores. With weaning having taken place on the majority of mid-season lambing flocks now, many farmers are drafting fit cull ewes for selling.

Cull ewes remain a good trade and have been all spring. Top-quality ewes with good flesh cover are making in excess of €130/head in some marts. Average-quality ewes in need of feeding are making €90 to €100/head, while similar ewes with better condition making €100 to €115/head. Fleshed horny ewes are making €80 to €90/head while horny ewes in need of feeding are making €60 to €70/head.

The store lamb trade is continuing its strong performance with competition between farmers driving the trade.

Lambs weighing 30kg to 33kg are making €74 to €77, or €44 over. Lambs in the 35-40kg bracket are making €79 to €83, or €44 to €43 over. Ewe lambs that have potential to make quality hoggets are making price premiums of €9-€12/head.

Factory-fit lambs are steady, with factory agents not keen on surpassing the €100 /head mark. Despite quotes of €4.60/kg, prices of €4.75/kg and higher are being achieved in the factories and this is dictating the trade. Lambs weighing 44-46kg are selling for €90-€95, or €46-€49 over. Heavier lambs weighing 46kg-49kg are making €95-€100, or €49-€51 over. Heavy lambs weighing 51kg-54kg that attracted butchers were making €103-€110, or €52-€56 over.

Breeding sales will be getting bigger from now on. Good-quality third- and fourth-crop ewes are selling from €90-€120/head, with the cull ewe trade keeping a floor under prices. First and second crop ewes are making up to €150, with hoggets selling to €170/head.