The past few dry days has given a lifeline for farmers as they try to get field work tidied up, but the flurry of work has also helped keep the sheep trade positive. Factory supplies have tightened further once again and this, combined with the bank holiday weekend, has meant that factory buyers have been a little more active at sourcing in the marts. Heavy butchers lamb has been met with a slight improvement also, with prices up a euro or two in some areas. Those over 50kg are selling mainly from €102 to €105/head for good-quality types, with heavy lambs carrying a little less flesh making from €97 to €101/head.