The mart trade has got off to a flying start, with top prices of €167-175/head being seen at sales today (Monday, March 1).

Mart managers reported highs of €160-165/head mainly last week; however, this week, the trade has pushed on once again, with 50kg plus hoggets generally selling upwards of €155/head, with many now moving at prices of above €160/head.

48-49kg hogget at sales also traded very strongly today, with prices of €145/head up to €160/head being seen.

Some sheep sales which took place today were Kilkenny, Ennis and Athenry.

Athenry Mart

A smashing trade was seen at Athenry Mart this morning for hoggets, with a top price of €175/head seen for a pen weighing 57kg.

Overall, the trade was excellent for all types of hoggets on offer. 35-40kg lots sold from €103/head up to €114/head. Furthermore, 40-45kg hoggets made from €100/head up to €143/head.

45-49kg lots traded from €3.02/kg up to €3.26/kg, with many selling from €142/head up to €160/head.

Lastly, 50kg plus hogget prices ranged from €2.56/kg up to €3.29/kg. The top-quality lots on offer on the day made from €168/head up to €175/head.

Kilkenny Mart

A small sale of sheep (200 head) was met with an “electric trade” at Kilkenny Mart this morning according to the mart’s auctioneer, George Candler.

A top call of €167/head for 59kg hoggets was seen, with top quality 50kg plus lots selling upwards of €156/head.

Heavy cull ewes peaked at €140/head.

Ennis Mart

Martin McNamara of Ennis Mart reported a very strong trade for finished hoggets, adding that the trade is going from strength to strength.

Prices for those well-fleshed hoggets breached €3/kg on numerous occasions, with a top price of €168/head being achieved for a pen of 10 weighing 55kg.

There were very store lambs on offer he noted. Cull ewes were also a “cracking trade” and made from €75 for stores up to €137/head for heavy culls.