Factory lamb prices are facing renewed pressure with most plants reducing base quotes by 20c/kg over the weekend. This leaves base quotes in the region of €8.20/kg or €8.30/kg to €8.40/kg when quality assurance payments are factored in to the equation.

Groups and regular sellers are securing from €8.40/kg to €8.50/kg by means of group payments with top prices for U grading lambs hitting €8.60/kg.

Returns are being paid to 21kg carcase weight with plants resisting upward movement and giving many groups a 1 August timeline for adding an extra 0.5kg.

Hogget quotes are unchanged with base quotes at €7/kg. There are deals being completed anywhere from €7.20/kg to €7.50/kg depending on the weight of hoggets and producer – processor relationship. Numbers of hoggets in the system have reduced again but reports indicate they remain above the 1,000 head mark. Producers should continue to assess hoggets carefully before drafting on a combination of likely carcase weight and age with hoggets that have set permanent teeth and overweight facing heavy cuts.

Ewe quotes are steady with variation remaining between plants. Opening prices on offer are in the region of €4.50/kg but there are plants paying €4.90/kg to €5/kg and at the top end of the market abattoirs paying upwards of €5.20/kg for top-quality ewes.