Sheep marts: Factory price cuts affecting trade, but hoggets in high demand

Recent factory price cuts are affecting the sheep trade across the country. However, the hogget trade is on the rise, while store lambs are back €1-2/head.

The number of sheep entered to marts is also on the rise. However, mart managers are reporting that the trade is steady, with hoggets proving popular among buyers; prices range from €110/head up to €170/head.

There was a good trade reported for cull ewes, with prices fetching from €50/head up to €140/head.

Raphoe Mart

There was a large entry of sheep on offer at last week’s sale at Raphoe Mart, according to the mart’s manager, Anne Harkin.

A good trade for all sheep was reported, with a good demand for store lambs and plenty of customers for these lots.

There was a steady trade for heavy ewes, with prices fetching from €50/head up to €130/head. There was also a good trade for hoggets, with prices ranging from €130/head up to €170/head.

Roscommon Mart

There was a similar entry of sheep on offer at this week’s sale in Roscommon Mart, according to Maura Quigley, the mart manager.

There was a steady trade with prices fetching €104/head for lambs weighing 54.6kg. There was also plenty of ewe lambs on offer with a top price of €115/head for lambs weighing 46.7kg.

Furthermore, there was a good trade for cast ewes with prices ranging from €50/head up to €114/head. 

Blessington Mart

There was a good entry of 3,168 sheep on offer at Blessington Mart on Tuesday last, August 20, according to the mart manager, John Doyle.

There was a very good trade for Suffolk-cross hogget ewes and Suffolk-cross ewe lambs, with hogget ewes better by €10-15/head on last week.

There was also a lively trade for store lambs, with fat lambs back slightly by €1-2/head.

Kenmare Mart

This was the largest sheep sale of the year at Kenmare Mart, on Monday last, August 19, according to the mart manager, Dan McCarthy.

The trade for sheep was similar to the previous week’s sale, with hoggets fetching from €90/head up to €130/head. There was a good trade for light ewe lambs with prices ranging from €40/head up to €70/head.

Carnew Mart

Carnew Mart’s weekly sheep sale took place on Thursday last, August 22.

Some 3,892 sheep were on offer, according to the mart’s manager, David Quinn. There was a strong demand for all types with a full clearance reported.

Store lambs and ewe lambs met the strongest trade, with butcher and factory lambs meeting a steady trade. A large entry of breeding ewes saw an improved demand, with a top price of €185/head reported for hoggets.