Ennis Mart's manager, Martin McNamara, reported an easing of spring lamb and hogget prices at Monday's sale (April 26).

In line with cuts in factory prices, Martin said it was a tough day for farmers selling spring lambs and hoggets, although he noted a solid firm trade for cull ewes.

Speaking to Agriland after the conclusion of the sale, Martin explained: "We had a strong entry of sheep on Monday - 350 in fact. Numbers were up across all categories of sheep.

"Factory prices for spring lambs and hoggets were back on Monday from what I heard, and that could be seen in the trade here at Ennis.

"Looking at the trade in more detail, spring lambs still sold up to a very good price of €175/head for four at 49.5kg. We also saw some very good prices for lighter spring lambs.

Sample spring lamb prices:

"Hogget numbers in fact were up today and in comparison to the spring lambs, they held a slightly more firmer trade.

"The tops of the hoggets was €174/head for nine at 66kg. Although prices, you could say for those lesser-quality fleshed hoggets, started around the €140/kg mark and worked upwards.

"Although spring lamb and hogget prices were back - and back a good bit - overall, we still saw a good trade for both the spring lambs and hoggets."

Sample hogget prices:

Although an easier trade was seen for spring lambs and hoggets, Martin said that the standout trade on the day was for cull ewes.

He added: "Cull ewes held the trade exceptionally well. They were back a bit last week, but held firm this week and sold up to a high of €166/head.

Martin added that ewes with lambs at foot topped €310/head (for a ewe with two lambs at foot).