Quality lots of sheep are considered to be in short supply in Kilkenny, as the mart got underway yesterday (Monday, September 28).

Auctioneer George Candler commented that there seems to be a "significant lift" in trade because sheep numbers are in short supply.

"The trade for butcher/wholesale type lambs has been excellent," he said.

According to the mart manager, the trade for breeding ewes has been subdued.

This could be an indication that even though prices are strong, there may be a lag in "new blood" entering the sector and many of those still involved have not increased their breeding base.

Sheep trade at Kilkenny

At yesterday's sheep sale at Kilkenny Mart, there was a 100% clearance rate.

Butcher/wholesale types peaked at €224 with factory lambs to a top of €185. Store lambs peaked at €150.

It was evident at the sale that demand outstripped supply.

For butcher type spring lambs, prices varied from €2.99-4.02/kg.

Some examples:

75kg lamb sold for €224 or €2.99/kg;
59kg lamb sold for €212 or €3.59/kg;
57kg lamb sold for €218 or €3.82/kg;
54kg lamb sold for €217 or $4.02/kg.

Meanwhile factory type lambs sold to a top of €185/head.

Some examples:

47kg lamb sold for €185 or €3.94/kg
44kg lamb sold for €167 or €3.80/kg;
43kg lamb sold for €158 or €3.67/kg.

In terms of store lamb sales, prices varied from €110-150/head.

Some examples:

33kg lamb sold for €145 or €4.03/kg;
38kg lamb sold for €147 or €3.87/kg;
41kg lamb sold for €150 or €3.66/kg.

Meanwhile cast ewes ranged from €124 to €250 per head.