The last two weeks have seen significant price drops for spring lambs which is a serious hit to early lamb producers.

Mart managers report price reductions of €8 to €10 per head for lambs compared to recent weeks.

Fleshed lambs in the mart are making €70 to €80 over the weight.

The factory trade for lambs has become difficult recently with few export plants willing to quote for spring lambs. Factory agents claim a combination of a lack of demand from France and large numbers of hoggets still in the system is the cause of downward price pressure.

Factory quotes for this week range from €5.90/kg to €6.00/kg, but reports of higher prices paid are circulating.