There have been mixed reports from marts around the country over the past week, with regard to the sheep trade.

Raphoe Mart

At Raphoe Mart, Co. Donegal, a good entry of sheep was reported on Easter Monday, April 17. There was a good trade for all sheep and prices improved on last week.

Spring lambs sold from €120 to €148.50 for the 45-52kg weight category. Prices of €110 to €120 were achieved for 40-44kg animals. €90 to €110 was paid for 37-40kg lambs.

Hoggets sold for between €110 and €129 for 50-60kg animals and €90 to €110 for those weighing 40-48kg.

In-lamb ewes with one lamb sold for €130 to €180, while ewes with two lambs sold for €180 to €250. Fat ewes made between €60 and €120.

Cahir Mart

At Cahir Mart, Co. Tipperary, average hogget prices were between €110 and €120. Only the top animals made €130.

At the last sale, where 600 sheep were on offer, butcher hoggets were going for €50 to €60 with the weight, while factory hoggets were selling for €45 to €55 with the weight.

Store hoggets were selling for up to €2.00/kg. Ewes with lambs at foot sold for between €130 and €220.

Baltinglass Mart

At Baltinglass Mart, the last sale was held on Saturday, April 15. The sale was on a small scale, due to the fact that it was Easter Saturday.

A lot of people were holding back as a result of this, and also due to the fact that lambing hadn’t ended for some. Between 400 and 600 sheep were on sale.

Strong hoggets made between €90 and €108, while store hoggets were making €70 to €86. Hogget numbers are starting to dwindle.

In all categories, animals were definitely cheaper than last year.