IFA sheep chair John Lynskey has reported a buoyant trade for lambs as demand picks up for the Eid al-Adha Muslim festival next month.

Factories are paying €4.80/kg to €4.90/kg up to carcase weights of 22kg and 22.5kg, Lynskey said. The €4.80/kg ceiling imposed by factories last week seems to be lifting.

The IFA is also reporting strong demand on the live trade, with prices of €2.20/kg to €2.30/kg liveweight for lambs up to 50kg, and €2.70/kg for ewes. This could indicate that the increases of €3 to €5/head observed at marts around the country last week is on track to be repeated this week.

A large lamb kill is expected for the festival. According to the Islamic Foundation of Ireland, the Muslim holiday will take place on 11 or 12 September, depending on moon sighting.