While there is a lot of opposition to mart restrictions preventing buyers from attending sales, a number of mart manager report it is benefitting sheep producers who are trading slaughter-fit lambs.

Numbers coming on stream have tightened sharply this week, with agents given more purchasing power to compete for lambs.

Some managers say the online sales platform has increased competition among buyers.

Some agents who would normally not be as prominent in sales seem willing to compete more online.

Price increase

Lamb prices have increased by €2 to €4/head since the start of the week, with lambs weighing in excess of 50kg selling from €117 to €124.