Sheep trade prices cooled this week, in comparison to the week before, with reports of a slight decline across the board for hoggets, cull ewes and spring lambs. However, hoggets appeared to witness steady trade throughout the week, with some mart managers calling prices back €2-3/head. Prices higher than €170/head was seen a regular trade last week for heavy types which have since declined to €168/head this week.
In terms of hoggets, marts have reported sheep trade prices selling from €158-168/head this past week. Spring lambs have been a tough sell according to mart managers and this week has been no different, with prices falling back also.
The top prices for spring lambs which have been a tough sell have fallen back this past week. Prices for spring lambs have ranged from €160-170/head, with very few exceptional lots making over €170/head. This is back from highs of €175-180/head last week. Lighter types, back to 40kg have been selling from a base of €140/head.
Mart managers have noted the lack of demand for spring lambs by factory agents since they first started coming out to marts. As many have bought what they need for the Easter market, the slow response this week has led to less butcher activity.
Cull ewes have also witnessed an easing in price, with many heavy fleshed ewes topping out at sales between €220-230/head whereas last week prices would have been hitting €250-270/head and then in cases some exceptional lots sold for over €300/head.