The sheep trade continues to defy expectations with markets avoiding any post-Easter lull in demand and actually strengthening as factories work to fill orders for next week’s Ramadan festival.

Prices have increased by 20c/kg to 30c/kg, leaving spring lamb quotes exceeding €8/kg and rising to top prices of €8.20/kg to €8.30/kg.

Prices have surpassed this level in mart sales where select lots of excellent quality lambs have topped €180 and hit as high as €190.

The hogget trade has also moved upwards by 10c/kg to 20c/kg with the majority of hoggets trading from €7.50/kg to €7.70/kg.