A livelier hogget trade has been reported this week in marts across the country, as factory prices show signs of improvement.
A better trade was reported in Corrin Mart, Fermoy, Co. Cork on Monday, February 27, as prices increased on the previous week, with a total of 320 sheep on offer.
Butcher hoggets made €102-112/head, or €45-59 over their weight at the sale.
Prices of €80-100/head were received for store and factory hoggets, or €43-56 on top of their weight.
- 56.7kg – €112 or €1.97/kg
- 54kg – €111 or €2.05/kg
- 47kg – €107 or €2.27/kg
- 37kg – €80 or €2.16/kg
- 43kg – €90 or €2.09/kg
- 44kg – €100 or €2.27/kg
Cast ewes sold for €64-120/head in Corrin Mart, while rams made up to €122/head.
Meanwhile, prices of up to €156/head were received for in-lamb ewes at the sale in Co. Cork.
Kilkenny Mart
There was much more life in the sheep ring this week in Kilkenny Mart on Monday, February 27, according to Auctioneer George Candler.
The €120/head barrier for hoggets was exceeded on a few occasions, he said. Cull ewes were also in demand, especially heavy types, with prices reaching up to €135/head, he added.
With a total of 300 sheep for sale, trade showed an improvement of €8-10/head on last weeks returns, he said.
- 60kg – €120 or €2/kg
- 57kg – €118 or €2.07/kg
- 54kg – €116 or €2.15/kg
- 46kg – €105 or €2.28/kg
- 44kg – €102 or €2.32/kg
- 42kg – €97 or €2.31/kg
With cast ewe prices peaking at €135/head, prices also ranged as low as €50/head at Kilkenny Mart.
Meanwhile, ewes with lambs at foot were sold for €165-200/unit at the sale.
Raphoe Mart
There was a good trade for all sheep and lambs reported from the sale at Raphoe Mart in Co. Donegal on Monday, February 27.
Heavier hoggets, weighing 50-54kg, sold for €110-118.50/head at the sale.
Prices were €95-109/head for hoggets weighing 42-48kg. Lighter hoggets weighing 35-40kg received prices of €75-95/head in Raphoe Mart.
Dry ewes sold for €70/head right up to €126/head at the sale in Co. Donegal.