There are definite signs of more demand for lambs in the trade since the end of last week, but factories are working hard to keep prices in check.

Opening base quotes are unchanged in the region of €8/kg or €8.10/kg to €8.20/kg for quality assured lambs.

However, there are more farmers with greater negotiating power securing well above the opening quotes, with groups and regular sellers being paid €8.30/kg to €8.35/kg for R grading lambs and upwards of €8.40/kg at the top end of the market.

The extra bite in the trade is also being witnessed in mart sales, despite agents also trying to keep prices in check, with mart managers reporting average prices firming by €2 to €3/head.

Good-quality heavier lambs weighing upwards of 48kg to 50kg and capable of killing out at maximum paid carcase weight are trading from €175 to €183, with top prices rising above €185 to €187 for butcher-type lots.

Prices paid for lighter lots weighing in the region of 46kg to 47kg are strongly influenced by flesh cover and potential slaughter performance, with prices ranging in the main from €160 to €170/head and up to €175 on occasion for top-quality lambs.

Ewe trade

There is also more bite for ewes, with cull ewe numbers appearing in mart sales much tighter.

A wide range in ewe quotes remains, with plants quoting from €4.50/kg to upwards of €5/kg.

Therefore, it is worth exploring the most lucrative market, with the live trade a good alternative for farmers struggling to negotiate directly with factories.

At the top end of the market, prices of €5.20/kg to €5.30/kg-plus have been reported for ewes delivering high-quality carcases.

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In pictures: light store lambs top €4/kg in Ballinasloe