Steady numbers of sheep have been reported at marts over recent days. Quality seems to be the main driver of price again this week, with strong prices being paid for quality lots of ewe lambs.

Breeding ewes and hogget ewes made €125-€200/head at various locations around the country.

Kilkenny Mart

A large sale took place in Kilkenny Mart, Cillin Hill on Monday, with some 1,120 sheep on offer. Trade was reportedly slow for all classes of sheep.

Lamb prices peaked at €2.18/kg or €120/head, while cull ewes made a top price of €110.

There was increased interest in hoggets for breeding with the best price reaching €200/head, according to mart auctioneer, George Candler.

Also at the mart, Suffolk rams sold for €300-€600/head. Texel rams sold for €300-€500/head and Charolais rams made €400-€560/head.

Raphoe Mart

Monday, September 4, saw a strong number of sheep go under the hammer at Raphoe Mart in Co. Donegal. Again, quality lambs met a good trade, according to mart manager Anne Harkin.

On the day, lighter lambs weighing 28-32kg sold for €55-€65/head; heavy lambs weighing 49-55kgs made €100-€110/head.

Fat ewes started trading at €60/head and stretched to a top price of €120/head at the Co. Donegal venue.

Mountbellew Mart

A large number of sheep were on offer on Saturday in Mountbellew Mart, in a situation that was similar to the previous week. An increased number of stag ewes was available for sale; prices were in the €68-€100/head range.

Trade was firm for quality lots of ewe lambs and ewe hoggets. Trade for lighter hoggets was easier, according to the mart’s spokesperson. Eight quality ewe lambs weighing 42.4kg made €103/head, while 11 lighter lambs (39kg) made €83/head.

Carnew Mart

Some 3,872 sheep were on offer on Thursday, August 31, at Carnew Mart in Co. Wicklow. There was a strong demand for butcher and factory lambs; these made €95-€107/head.

Farmers showed strong demand for ewes. Cull ewes made €65-€115/head and hogget ewes sold for €125-€168.

On the day, store lambs over 35kg made €70-€84. Store lambs under 35kg made €54-€76.