The weekly sheep sale at Carnew Mart in Co. Wicklow on Wednesday, November 5, saw improved trade compared with recent weeks.

This was according to yard manager, Eugene Clune, who said trade was "noticeably stronger throughout", with 2,678 sheep going through the ring.

Hogget lambs saw an average price increase of €10/head, reflecting the increased demand, Clune said.

Sample of lamb prices at Carnew Mart:

A pen of 14 ewe lambs weighing an average of 47kg sold for €200/head, or €4.26/kg;
Six mixed lambs weighing an average of 57kg sold for €223/head, or €3.91/kg;
A pen of seven ram lambs weighing an average of 58kg sold for €216/head, or €3.72/kg;
A pen of 10 ram lambs weighing an average of 60kg sold for €221/head, or €3.68/kg;
A group of 11 ewe lambs weighing an average of 36kg, sold for €156/head, or €4.33/kg.

The sale of lambs weighing more than 52kg was particularly notable, with prices ranging from €200/head to €221/head.

Ewes

Hogget ewes were also in strong demand at the sale, with a top price of €241/head paid for two ewes weighing 84kg.

Sample of ewe prices at Carnew Mart:

A ewe weighing 76kg sold for €238, or €3.13/kg
Four ewes weighing an average of 54kg sold for €185/head, or €3.43/kg;
Two ewes weighing 84kg sold for €241/head, or €2.87/g;
Two ewes weighing an average of 55kg sold for €166/head, or €3.02/kg;
Two ewes weighing an average of 50kg sold for €236/head, or €4.72/kg.

Speaking after the sale, Clune confirmed that it had been a "very positive days trading", with a "firmer trade evident across the sale".

Carnew Mart holds a sheep sale every Wednesday.