Factory lamb prices have been cut by 40c/kg compared to last week.

This equates to a cut of over €8 per head on a 21.5kg carcase, with mart prices also falling by a similar level on average.

Base quotes for Thursday are €9.30/kg plus 20c/kg quality assurance (QA) payment in Irish Country Meats and Dawn plants with Ballon Meats quoting €9.50/kg for QA lambs.

Last week’s throughput increased by over 2,000 head to 36,463 but remains low in comparison to the norm for this time of year.

Prices have also come under pressure in Northern Ireland with base quotes cut by 40p/kg.

The general quote for Thursday is £8/kg (€9.26/kg) with a couple of plants reported as trying to open negotiations below this mark.