The sheep trade is unchanged at the start of the week, with supplies coming on stream in recent days appearing to satisfy demand.

This has allowed factories to hold opening quotes, which continue to range from €7.70/kg to €7.90/kg.

The two Irish Country Meats plants remain well out in front with their lamb quote of €7.90/kg for quality assured lamb 20c/kg on average above competing plants.

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However, reports indicate that most plants are willing to rival such prices in deals with regular sellers to secure sales.

This is leaving prices at the higher end of the market ranging from €7.90/kg to €8/kg, with some sellers exceeding €8/kg, while at the top end of the market, there are small numbers climbing above a price of €8/kg.

At the other end of the price range, there are small numbers of lambs trading at €7.80/kg where sellers are trading in plants offering a lower quote and with lower negotiating power.

Ewe prices

The ewe and ram trade is also unchanged. The majority of factories are quoting a price of €4.30/kg to €4.50/kg for ewes, while at the top end of the market, plants or abattoirs specialising in the ewe trade continue to pay upwards of €5/kg for ewes delivered to a tight specification.

Northern Ireland

Reports indicate that there is some downward pressure on price in some areas in Northern Ireland, with agents trying to quote below last week’s base quotes of £6.45/kg to £6.50/kg (€7.43/kg to €7.49/kg).

Groups and regular sellers continue to secure 5p/kg to 10p/kg above base quotes, with competition in the market from buyers sourcing sheep for export to Ireland and Britain.