N.Ireland
The current strength of lamb and ewe prices is encouraging flock owners to keep less sheep, according to Ulster Wool chairman: Brendan Kelly.
Sheep
Prices in the sheep trade have remained on par with those seen last week, with comparisons of prices from a year ago showing a stark contrast
The hogget trade has continued to go from strength to strength as factory quotes have continued to rise for the third consecutive week.
There continues to be upward movement in the hogget trade, as the prices factories have quoted have risen significantly for today (Monday, February 19).
Prices in the sheep trade this week (beginning Monday, January 22) have seen a moderate lift from the quotes provided by processors for lamb.
Sheep Technical
A 60-70c/kg price gap for hoggets has opened up on this time 12 months ago as further cuts this week put a dampener on the trade once again.
Some mart managers have noted a sharper trade for store hoggets/lambs this past week particularly in the case of ewes
Last week was a far more positive week for trading at sheep marts with prices up on average €2-5/head and more in cases.
The trade at marts this past week remained tough with prices falling back further in the majority of cases.
It has been a tough week on the sheep mart front with prices back by up to €7/head in a week where factory prices have fallen substantially.
Lamb prices at marts over the past fortnight have been steady, with little change to report as the 2022 sales draw to a close.
The trade at marts for all categories of lambs in the past two weeks has lifted in line with factories upping prices during this period.
In the space of a week the mood at Kilkenny Mart has taken a swift turn, with disappointing the word used to describe last week's sheep sale.
Agriland made the trip to Ballinasloe Mart on Thursday, October 3, to check in on the mart's sheep sale which was dominated by store lambs.
There has been no let-up in demand for finished lambs at mart this week, with factory agents eager to buy what they can get.
Agriland made the trip to Athenry Mart on Monday (October 24) to cast an eye over the mart's sheep...
There is little price change to report from sheep marts this past week, with the trade holding generally firm across the board.
Over 1,000 lambs were on offer at Roscommon Mart on Wednesday (August 17), with the trade for ewe lambs and stores taking centre stage.
It's been another strong week of trading at sheep marts across the country, with lamb prices once again increasing on last week.
Sheep sales held yesterday (Monday, June 5) witnessed some exceptional prices for cull ewes, which also saw lamb prices improve to the tune of €2-5/head.
The sheep trade this week has started off on a positive note, with prices seemingly for spring lambs hitting €8.00/kg more freely this week.
Reduction in factory prices at the start of the week has filtered down into the mart trade, with spring lamb prices taking the biggest hit.
Athenry Mart held its weekly sale of sheep on Monday last (November 2), which saw a "surprisingly" small entry of sheep.
