The number of lambs coming on to the market over the weekend is reported as tightening, with some agents contacting regular sellers and groups in a bid to encourage numbers forward.

Reports indicate that a combination of farmers completing field work and recent price pressure has slowed drafting, with some sellers keen to maximise sale value.

There is continued variability in prices reported. Many plants are operating at an opening base price of €8/kg or €8.10/kg to €8.20/kg when quality assurance (QA) payments are included, while a couple of plants are working off an opening price of €8.30/kg.

This leaves prices paid to sellers with lower negotiating power ranging from €8.20/kg to €8.30/kg depending on the purchasing plant and from €8.30/kg to €8.40/kg for groups and regular sellers.

Higher weight

Reports also indicate that some groups have managed to secure a higher carcase weight limit of 21.5kg, with others refusing to move until 1 August.

However, there is pressure building from some regular sellers to secure the additional weight in lieu of lower prices, but, to date, factories are holding firm in their stance.

Hogget numbers have fallen to a very low level, but are still being accepted, with the base quote unchanged at €7/kg.

Prices range anywhere from €7/kg to upwards of €7.40/kg for hoggets killing less than 23kg carcase weight and which have not set permanent teeth.

Ewe trade

The ewe trade is firm, with a continued wide differential between quotes.

Opening prices on offer are in the region of €4.50/kg, while most plants are paying from €4.70/kg to €5/kg and upwards of €5.30/kg at the top end of the market.

The mart trade is firm, with numbers tightening significantly. The general run of prices for quality ewes ranges from €2.40/kg to €2.70/kg, with top prices rising on occasion to €2.90/kg-plus.