The trade is under pressure again in the marts as two consecutive weeks of factory cuts are being reflected in lamb sales around the country.

Cuts of 40c/kg to 45c/kg have been passed on to lamb producers in the last fortnight and this has led to reduced prices being paid in the marts. Mart managers say some sales have been big this week, which hasn’t helped the trade.

Factory-fit lambs weighing 43kg to 45kg are selling for €95 to €100, or €50-€55 over the weight in recent days. This is a reduction of €4 to €8 per head on last week’s prices. Heavier lambs weighing 46kg to 48kg are making €100 to €105, or €50 to €57 over.

Butcher lambs with a good cover of flesh weighing 51kg to 54kg are selling in the main for €102 to €108, or €50-€56 over.

In some cases, where there is strong butcher activity, higher prices are being achieved.

Mart managers say there is more activity for store lambs, especially in western areas where grass growth has taken off on lowly stocked farms. Managers say that store lambs weighing 35kg to 38kg are making €85 to €90, or €50 to €52 over.

Some managers report that prices for cull ewes have eased slightly this week but in the main are strong. Heavy fleshed ewes are selling for €120 to €130/head. More average lots are selling for €90 to €100/head. Lowland store ewes needing feeding are moving at €70 to €85.