A massive entry of 3,000 sheep was seen at Enniscorthy Mart on Wednesday (August 11) - when the mart hosted its annual show and sale, as well as the Wexford Sheep Breeders' yearly show and sale.

Agriland spoke to Kevin Murphy of Enniscorthy Mart to get a rundown on the trade for lambs and cull ewes.

He said: "We had a massive sheep sale this week; it was our biggest sale of the year so far with almost 3,000 sheep on offer.

"There are more and more finished lambs appearing each week, and factory agents are as eager as ever for suitable lambs.

"The heavier butcher-type lamb continues to sell very well, mostly to local butchers, with some lots making a good deal more than the factory-fit lambs. They ranged in price from €80 to €99 over the kilo."

Sample butcher lamb prices:

Kevin added: "Factory lambs sold from €112/head for 13 lambs at 43kg, up to €129/head for 18 lambs at 48kg - most of which were bought by factory agents who were keen for lambs."

Sample factory lamb prices:

Continuing, Kevin said: "We are seeing a very strong store lamb trade with plenty of farmers looking to buy store lambs. Heavy store lambs sold from €60 to €70 over the kilo.

"Light store lambs sold from €55 to €71 over their weight, with buyers coming long distances to buy nice stores."

Store lamb prices:

Speaking about the cull ewe trade seen on Wednesday at Enniscorthy Mart, Kevin added: "There was a big number of recently weaned cull ewes on offer as farmers rush to make use of the very strong trade when prices are so strong.

"The heavy ewes were scarce, but still an exceptional trade with a single ewe weighing 100kg making €200."

Heavy cull ewe prices: