Hogget and lamb prices have increased by 10c/kg to 20c/kg for Thursday, with hogget prices climbing to €9.10/kg plus and spring lamb prices hitting an opening offer of €10/kg for quality-assured lambs. Buying for the Easter trade has kicked into place and ensured any lull in demand following the ending of Ramadan has been short lived.

There has been some exceptional prices paid in live sales with spring lambs ranging from €230 to €287 in Tullow on Tuesday. Prices in other sales range from €210 to €250 with small numbers on offer to date. Entries are expected to increase in the coming days for the Easter trade.

The trade in Northern Ireland continues to trend significantly ahead of prices in Ireland. Base quotes for Thursday are up another 10p/kg to 20p/kg to £8.10/kg, or the equivalent of €9.34/kg. Regular sellers are securing higher with agents competing hard amidst a buoyant live trade to Britain.

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