After base quotes slipped back last week, lamb producers dug in hard when selling and it has helped to prevent any further slide in price.

Factories are holding at last week’s quotes. Kepak, Kildare, ICM and Ballyhaunis are all starting from a base of €4.30/kg today (Thursday).

Quality assurance (QA) premiums are on top of this. Moyvalley and Ballon Meats are quoting an all-in price of €4.50/kg.

Deals being made on the ground are also holding at last week’s prices. There are a few variations to be made, depending on price and weight.

Lambs are being paid €4.50/kg to €4.55/kg to 22kg at most plants this week, with higher prices of €4.60/kg on offer, but payable to 21.5kg mainly.

Demand for lambs has sharpened this week as throughput of finished lambs in the marts is showing signs of easing up.

Large numbers at the marts made it easier for factory agents to buy lambs, which helped processors pull base quotes last week.

Factory agents are still keen for lambs this week, but tighter numbers has put a floor under the trade. Despite this, agents appear determined not to overpay when buying live lambs, capping prices at €90 to €95 for first grade QA lambs.

Demand for ewes has also intensified this week. Quotes for ewes start from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg, but ewes are selling from €2.70/kg to €2.80/kg, payable on full weight in both the midlands and southeast.

In the west, there are reports that a flat rate of €2.80/kg is on offer for producers selling heavy and light ewes at one plant. Good-quality, light ewes are reportedly selling up to €3/kg.

IFA National Sheep Committee chairman John Lynskey said that, with demand strong, there is potential for factories to pay more than the €4.60/kg on offer this week.

He added that some factories have expressed a strong interest in marketing lighter lambs, potentially paying similar prices to the 22kg lambs. 

The weekly kill has surpassed the 65,000 mark again this week, with a total of 65,045 sheep slaughtered. Imports from Northern Ireland have eased back by 500 head to 8,803 sheep. With the weekly kill at such high levels, it confirms that there is a strong demand for Irish lamb, as prices have remained static this week.

Live exporters have been very active in the past few weeks and providing an alternative market for heavy ram lambs. Hallissey Livestock exporters is reportedly moving close on 2,800 head to the continent on a weekly basis, while Emerald Green are planning to export over 6,000 head in the next two weeks. Lambs must be well-fleshed, ideally weigh 50kg to 60kg liveweight and be electronically tagged.