Demand around the country for lambs is strong this week with many marts reporting increased trade on previous weeks.

There was strong demand for both factory and store lambs at Carndonagh mart on the Inishowen peninsula on Saturday last.

This demand was made up of both farmer and agent buyers, according to Mart Manager Harry Molloy.

Factory lambs sold for an average of €4.70/kg for quality approved lots, while 35kg store lambs made between €63 and €70 per head.

Molloy noted a strong trade in ewe lambs with 38kg lots going for €82-€83 per head. Heavy cast ewes of 80kg made €1/kg while lighter lots were closer to the €0.90/kg mark.

Corrin Mart

Numbers were back at Corrin mart in Fermoy on Monday November 14, but there was increased demand around the sales ring.

Mart Manager Sean Leahy commented that there was a better trade for lambs than had been the case in previous weeks.

Sample lamb prices:

  • 55kg – €116 or €2.10/kg
  • 48kg – €95 or €1.98/kg
  • 50kg – €105 or €2.10/kg
  • 45kg – €88 or €1.95
  • 48kg – €100 or €2.08/kg
  • 35kg – €75 or €2.14/kg

Leahy said there was some cast ewes at the sale too with prices ranging between €55-102 per head.

Athenry Mart

Reports from Monday’s sheep sale at Athenry Mart are also positive, with auctioneers reported to be very pleased with the clearance inside the ring.

Sample lamb prices:

  • 52kg – €108 or €2.07/kg
  • 50kg – €105 or €2.10/kg
  • 47kg – €95 or €2.02/kg
  • 45kg – €93 or €2.07/kg
  • 35kg – €76 or €2.17/kg

Cast ewes sold for between €40-95 per head at the Galway venue, not showing much change from prices of previous weeks.