Lamb prices are defying the normal seasonal decline with an increase in quotes of 20c/kg lifting prices back up to €10/kg. Base quotes for Thursday for quality-assured lambs are €9.90/kg with many sellers securing returns of €10/kg plus.

Carcase weight limits are also on the rise with the two Irish Country Meats plants officially moving to 21.5kg carcase weight with many other plants willing to match this to finalise deals. The mart trade has also burst in to life with prices rising on average by €3 to €5 per head and as high as €8 to €10 at the top end of the market.

Heavier lambs weighing 48kg to 50kg plus are trading from €220 to €225 in marts reliant on factory buyers and ranging from €220 to €235/head.