Bad weather has left factories chasing lambs, according to IFA sheep chair Seán Dennehy.

Dennehy said supplies were tightening and sheep farmers should “dig in hard, bargain for a higher price than is being offered and insist on the best specifications”.

Dennehy said that lamb prices are between €4.55/kg and €4.65/kg. Top prices paid were between €4.70/kg and €4.75/kg including bonuses.

Increased demand, driven by African Swine Fever (ASF) in China, had led to a more positive view of the sheep market, Dennehy said.