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