Lamb prices have come under further pressure this week with processors cutting quotes by 5p/kg to 10p/kg to a base of 425p/kg.

That leaves prices here behind our nearest neighbours, with 460p/kg to 466p/kg paid over the last week for lambs in Britain, or a difference of £7 per head.

Demand for lambs south of the Irish border has been firm over the past fortnight with processors paying the sterling equivalent of 460p/kg.

However, southern plants have moved to pull quotes by 10c/kg this week leaving the southern price on a sterling equivalent of 450p/kg.

In contrast to falling lamb prices, demand for ewes is strong. Prices on offer range from £90 to £100, with some exceptional lots selling to £110 earlier this week.