Factory lamb prices were back €4-5/head at Enniscorthy Mart on Wednesday, September 8, according to the mart's newly appointed manager, Kevin Murphy.

Speaking to Agriland after the sale, Kevin said: "We had our biggest sale of the year on Wednesday. The numbers have been rising as more lambs become fit for slaughter and farmers sell store lambs to avail of the very strong trade.

"There was a massive entry of finished lambs which were a little easier compared to last week; I'd say they were back €4-5/head.

"The heavier butcher-type lambs continue to sell for a premium as local butchers compete for the better-fleshed lambs. They ranged in price from €82 to €91 over the kilo."

Sample butcher lamb prices:

"Factory lambs sold from €113/head for nine at 42kg up to €132/head for 10 lambs at 48kg. All of which were bought by factory agents who were still keen for lambs."

Sample factory lamb prices:

"There was a nice entry of strong ewe lambs which ranged from €118/head for light but nice quality lambs up to €151/head for 51kg lambs.

"There are plenty of buyers for quality ewe lambs many of which will be trading them again next year as dry hoggets."

Sample ewe lamb prices:

Speaking about the store lamb trade, Kevin explained: "Heavy store lambs have held very well despite the drop in finished lamb prices and sold from €60 to €70 over the kilo.

"Light store lambs sold from €50 to €62 over their weight with buyers still very eager for those lighter stores."

Sample store lamb prices:

On the cull ewe trade, Kevin said: "The cull ewe trade hasn’t faltered all year and it was the same on Wednesday. The heavy ewes weren’t that plentiful but demand far outstrips supply for those heavy ewes.

Heavy cull ewe prices:

Kevin, like many other mart managers, noted the drop-off in the hogget trade.

He added: "Hoggets ranged from €175/head up to a top price of €220/head for good quality hoggets.