The mart trade is hit and miss at the moment and is feeling the effects of reduced factory gate prices that were instigated over the past three weeks.

Some mart managers are reporting a price recovery of up to €3/head for fleshed lambs, while others are suggesting an extremely difficult trade, with prices on a downward spiral.

Factory-fit lambs weighing 46kg to 50kg are selling from €90 to €100/head, or €44 to €50 over the weight. The marts reporting tougher sales said prices for factory lambs averaged €90 to €94/head, while other marts found prices closer to the €96 to €100/head mark. It was a similar story for suitable butcher lambs. Prices for fleshed lambs weighing 50+kg started at €100 moving to €105/head where butcher competition was strong.

Store lambs are still receiving plenty of interest from specialist finishers and farmers with catch crops. Stores are selling from €1.90/kg to €2.10/kg. Quality ewe lambs are commanding a premium of €5 to €10/head in the main.

Heavy ewe lambs are in demand because the option is available to breed heavier lambs this season. Ewe lambs weighing 50kg and over are making from €105 to €115/head. Prices for lighter-quality ewe lambs also remain strong, with lambs weighing 40kg to 45kg selling for €92 to €100/head. Breeding ewe numbers are holding firm in most marts despite the time of year.

Hoggets are selling from €140 to €170/head and breeding ewes are moving at €90 to €140/head. Cull ewe prices remain unchanged. Fleshed ewes are selling from €85 to €102/head. Lowland-bred feeding ewes are making €50 to €75/head. Scotch-bred and crossbred ewes are selling from €35 to €60/head.

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