The trade for spring lambs has steadied this week, after price reductions in factories over the past two weeks. Factories are quoting between €5.80/kg and €5.90/kg for lambs – a significant reduction of 60c/kg compared with quotes three weeks ago.

The last two weeks were anxious times for early lamb producers as the majority of factories were reluctant to quote for lambs and farmers had difficulty getting their animals slaughtered.

Factories claimed that the considerable number of hoggets still in the system and lack of demand from France were the main reasons for the decline in prices. However, mart managers are reporting that the number of hoggets coming out is reducing and the switchover to spring lamb is kicking in.

Some factory agents are suggesting that France may become more active in the next week and this should help matters for spring lamb producers.

The majority of spring lambs at the marts are currently making €70-€80 over the weight. Cull ewes have also seen reductions of €10/head at the marts after price reductions at the factories, with quotes this week ranging between €2.80/kg and €3.00/kg.