Sheep marts: Farmers on the look out for stores

With factory prices dropping around the country, there was little change in the trade at sheep marts in recent days.

Again, like last week, quality came out on top and strong prices were paid for excellent-quality stock.

Some marts reported an increase in the number of sheep on offer, while others experienced a drop in numbers going under the hammer.

Carnew Mart

A smaller sale took place in Carnew Mart, Co. Wicklow on Thursday last; some 2,855 sheep passed through the ring.

Similar to the previous week, there was strong demand for butcher and factory lambs; these made €95-112/head.

According to the mart manager, David Quinn, there was an increased interest from farmers sourcing stores. This led to price improvements of €2-3/head.

Store lambs, over 35kg, fetched €72-85/head; lighter lots (<35kg) traded at €61-79/head.

Farmers were also on the look out for ewe lambs; these sold for €85-€122/head. On the day, cull ewes made €62-112.

Older breeding ewes fetched €85-142/head, while breeding rams made sold for €120-460.

Raphoe Mart

Monday, September 11, saw a large sale take place at Raphoe Mart in Co. Donegal. The sale was similar to the previous week, according mart manager Anne Harkin.

She said: “There was an excellent trade for quality stock.”

Fat ewes traded similar to last week. Prices of €60-115/head were recorded for these lots.

Mountbellew Mart

A busy sale was reported from Mountbellew Mart, Co. Galway, on Saturday last. Quality stock prevailed, according to the marts spokesperson. A prime example of this was the 16 ewe lambs, weighing 54kg, that sold for €115/head.

Stag ewe started trading at €70/head and stretched to a top price of €100/head. Store lambs made €68-86/head at the Co. Galway venue.