Sheep factory agents have been noticeably more active over the last 24 to 48 hours. There are multiple reports of regular suppliers being contacted and asked about the possibility of having lambs to trade in the coming days. Most plants are offering these sellers 5c/kg to 10c/kg extra with top prices for quality assured lambs ranging from €5.50/kg to €5.60/kg and rising to €5.65/kg at the top of the market.

Many groups are also being offered a higher base quote of €5.40/kg, bringing prices to €5.60/kg to €5.70/kg. Plants are trying to resist upward price movement movement across the board and are offering sellers with smaller numbers a price of €5.45/kg to €5.50/kg but more sellers are digging in harder and securing 5c/kg higher.

Greater demand is stemming from two avenues. Lamb supplies have tightened in the last week with remaining hogget supplies confined to large or specialised finishers. Factories also have one eye on the upcoming Ramadan festival at the start of June and are building supplies in anticipation of greater demand.