There is a slightly better tone to the sheep trade this week. Base lamb quotes are in the region of €9.50/kg, leaving a significant number of quality assured (QA) lambs trading from €9.70/kg to €9.80/kg.

Base quotes for hoggets are unchanged at €9/kg plus 20c/kg QA payment and there appears to be a greater appetite in some areas from factory agents.

This is supporting prices towards the top end of the market of €9.30/kg to €9.40/kg.

Numbers have tightened significantly following the kill being recorded at almost 45,000 head for the last two consecutive weeks. Markets are taking time to adjust following buying for the Islamic religious festival of Eid al-Adha, but lower numbers are helping to keep a floor under price.

Base quotes in Northern Ireland have rebounded by 10p/kg to £8.50/kg (€9.83/kg), with regular sellers and groups securing 10p/kg to 15p/kg higher.