The drop in factory quotes has been reflected in a weakening in the mart trade for finished lambs. Factory agents are relatively keen to source lamb, but in many cases are not willing to compete strongly at higher prices.

The trade for factory lambs weighing 44kg to 47kg is ranging from €86 to €95 per head in general. Heavier lambs weighing up to 50kg are selling from €92 to €97 per head, with buyers reluctant to pay €100 per head.

A strong store trade is helping to keep a floor under prices for lambs lacking flesh. Prices have steadied, with more lambs coming on stream to satisfy demand. Prices for short-keep lambs range from €2.00 to €2.20/kg.

In many cases, lighter lamb prices have increased to €2.30/kg for good-quality lowland or ewe lambs in the 35kg to 40kg bracket. Crossbred and plainer-quality lots are selling from €1.90 to €2.10/kg.

There is also more demand for breeding ewes and ewe hoggets. Second- and third-crop ewes are selling from €100 to €135 per head for large-framed ewes.

Small numbers of hoggets are trading from €150 to €170 per head, with demand described as firm.

An increase in cull ewes has eased prices in some marts. Large-framed ewes are still attracting strong demand, boosted by live exporter interest.

Prices range from €90 to €110 with lighter carcase factory-fit ewes selling back to €80 per head.