George Candler reported an excellent trade for lambs at Kilkenny Mart this week, which he believes was helped by the smaller numbers on offer.

The strong trade led to a 100% clearance on the day, with George hopeful that the confidence that has returned to the trade since 2020 will continue into 2021.

Lamb prices on Monday (January 11) reached a high of €145/head. Butcher lambs made from €128/head up to €145/head or from €2.60/kg up to €2.82/kg.

Factory lambs were a very lively trade and sold to highs of €141/head (or €3.00/kg). In general, these lots traded from €120/head up to €141/head.

Forward store lambs at Kilkenny on Monday sold up to €116/head. Overall, store lambs, both light and forward types made from €89/head up to €115-116/head.

Lastly, cull ewes traded from €85/head for feeding types up to €145/head for heavy culls.