Report: Trading recommences at Mountbellew Mart after two-week break

Mountbellew Mart – Sheep Sale on 18-02-2023

Mountbellew Mart recommenced trading last Saturday (February 18^th, 2023) following a two-week pause, as previously reported by That’s Farming.

A spokesperson reported that hoggets met with a “similar” trade to previous weeks; however, stag ewes met with a “very strong” trade, especially for heavier lots.

Moreover, a small number of ewes with lambs at foot also met with a “very strong” trade.

Mountbellew Mart 18-02-2023

In-lamb-ewes / ewes with lambs at foot

• One second crop ewe with a strong single lamb at foot – €232;
• Three third crop ewes with twin lambs at foot – €230;
• Two first crop ewes with strong single lambs at foot – €226;
• Two fourth crop ewes due to lamb on March 1^st, carrying twins – €160.

Stag ewes

According to the spokesperson, a “very strong” trade prevailed, which generated a 100% clearance.

• Three ewes – 88kg – €180;
• One ram – 114kg – €172;
• Three ewes – 89kg – €170;
• One ram – 83.5kg – €160;
• Nine ewes – 85.5kg – €150;
• Three ewe – 84.5kg – €148;
• Nine ewes – 78.5kg – €130;
• Six ewes – 72.5kg – €116;
• Two ewes – 65kg, €98.00;
• Two ewes – 61kg – €97.

Hoggets

• Ten ewe hoggets – 55.5kg – €147;
• Five whether hoggets- 55.8kg- €146;
• Sixteen whether hoggets – 54.2kg – €145;
• Five whether hoggets – 56.5kg – €144;
• Twelve ewe hoggets – 54kg – €144;
• Eight ewe hoggets – 53.6kg – €143;
• Fourteen whether hoggets – 50kg – €141;
• Seven ewe hoggets – 51kg – €137;
• Twelve ewe hoggets, 41kg – €125;
• Seven ewe hoggets – 36kg – €97;
• Two whether hoggets – 39kg – €96;
• Fifteen ewe hoggets – 35.6kg – €95;
• Eight whether hoggets – 34.2kg – €87.

PRSA licence

The sale got underway at 10am, two hours after intake began at the premises, which is based at Ballygar Road, Mountbellew, Co Galway.

Trading recommenced just days after the mart announced on its Facebook page on February 10^th, 2023, that its PRSA licence was temporarily suspended.

A statement read: “There will be no sheep sale this Saturday, February 11^th, 2023.”

“Our PRSA licence has been temporarily suspended. This relates to an ongoing deficit due to a historical bad debt incurred over a decade ago.”

“We are working with the PRSA to resolve the issue and are keen to resume trading as soon as possible.”

According to a spokesperson, the mart was established as a registered co-operative in July 1989 and has been running cattle sales since 1986 and sheep sales since 1989.