Trade remains solid despite price pressure from processors

Despite the processors very obviously trying to exert downward pressure on prices, the mart trade held pretty solid for all categories of sheep over the past week.

The heavy lambs were slightly easier by about €2/hd, but stores held their own. Cull ewes sold to a top of €144. Good ewe lambs made up to €150, while tops for ewe hoggets was €210. The general run for breeding ewes was €130-180 depending on age. Factory lambs sold from €50-65 over the €1/kg for the most part.

Lambs were making up to €64 over in Athenry yesterday, with a tops with the weight of €113 for 49kg. Store lambs sold for €40-50 over.

Heavy lambs were back slightly in Fermoy selling from €50-55 over the €/kg.

Dowra Mart had 3,800 sheep on offer on Saturday with a large percentage of them being store lambs. Trade continues to be strong for the good forward store lambs and the top ewe lambs.

Prices for the good ewe hoggets ranged from €170 to €205. Plainer hoggets made from €135 €165 each. Heavy cull ewes sold for €80-120. Culls for grazing and further feeding made from €50-75 each. Their annual show and sale for breeding ewes and hoggets takes place on Friday.

At Carnew Mart the factory lambs were easier by €2 but stores and ewe lambs were a very strong trade. Prices were up €3/hd and selling for €52-80 over the weight.

Heavy well-fleshed lambs made €50-62 over. Stores moved at €40-52 over. Breeding rams traded from €220-450.

Sheep prices were a little stronger especially for store lambs at Maam Cross. With numbers beginning to increase they are starting a second weekly sheep sale from August 22 at 5pm.

Mountbellew reported a smaller number of lambs to previous weeks with a slightly easier trade especially for factory types. There was improved demand for ewe lambs and breeding stock, while the store lambs remained a firm trade selling up to €91. Factory and butcher lambs made from this up to €120 or €50-68 over the €/kg.

There were 2,800 sheep on offer at Baltinglass, where heavier lambs were back by €2/hd. The 45-50kg made from €90 to €104, with the 40-45kg making from €75-90. Suffolk cross ewe lambs sold for €110-150, while hoggets made €170-210. Older breeding ewes ranged from €130 to €175. Culls made €50-110. The ewe breeders' second special sale is on next Saturday.

Butcher and factory lambs at Enniscorthy made €94-110 or €48-60 over the weight. Store lambs moved at €78-93 over, reflecting a price of €45-55 over. Ewe hoggets sold for €165-195. Light cull ewes ranged from €50 to €90, with the heavy lots making €110-125 each.