There was a steady trade for store lambs at Kenmare Mart on Monday last for the Co Kerry mart’s weekly sheep sale.
A full clearance of the almost 450 sheep on offer reflected that demand is there and numbers are expected to reach between 2,500 and 3,000 on a weekly basis as the summer progresses in Kenmare.
Store lambs made up the bulk of what was on offer with over 350 present.
It was predominantly lowland lambs and crossbreds on offer this week and demand was strong throughout, with spring lambs most sought after from both ringside and online bidders.
In general, those most of those weighing over 42kg sold for between €170 and €198.
There was plenty of appetite for lighter store lambs too and most of those weighing from 30kg to 37kg were trading for between €110 and €130 with a selection of lambs trading for prices either side.
Following the sale, mart manager Dan McCarthy said: “It was a good steady trade with numbers starting to increase. We had a good share of store lambs and a lot of finished lambs. The store lambs were making from €3.30/kg to €3.60/kg.
“Finished lambs then, they were making between €3.85/kg and a few lots made up to €4/kg. We were seeing a good few Suffolk-crosses coming out and they’re making those higher prices.
“The lighter, plainer lambs are selling for around €3.30/kg and there’s still good demand for them.
“Cull ewes are an exceptional trade; they’re making over €2/kg and even higher in places, while ewes and lambs made from €150 to €245, so fellas were happy enough with the prices. Numbers were down the last couple of weeks with the fine weather and people were at hay, but they were up again this week.”
He was happy with the recent spell of dry weather following what was a challenging few months in the area.
“Farmers seem to be happy enough. People were disappointed enough with the spring and the weather that was there. It was a long winter.
“They seem to have turned with the few fine weeks that have come and a lot of hay has been saved and a lot of silage was made down here recently. The amount and the quality of the machinery that’s around was a big help to get things done.”
Kenmare Mart will celebrate 30 years in business on Thursday 9 July and Dan extended an invite to people to attend.
“We’re marking the celebration next Thursday and we’d welcome all who are around to call in. There will be a mass on the night in the premises and there will be refreshments had after to mark the occasion.”
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