After coming under severe pressure earlier this month, lamb prices have steadied.

Factories are holding firm at base quotes of €4.40/kg to €4.60/kg, similar to last week. Factory agents have shown more appetite for lamb this week, which has resulted in prices hardening.

Last week, producers were bargaining hard to get €4.60/kg for lambs. This week, €4.60/kg is more freely available.

Deals of €4.65/kg have become more common where sellers have good numbers of quality assured lambs for sale. The top price reported this week is €4.70/kg, albeit in limited deals. Lamb prices in Northern Ireland are also holding steady at £3.55/kg (€4.68/kg including VAT). Ewe prices have also taken a lift with factory agents showing keen demand.

Prices of €2.50/kg up to €2.70/kg appears to be the general offer, with Kildare Chilling offering an additional 10c/kg on homebred ewes sold directly from farm of origin.