Sheep farmers have reacted angrily to lamb price cuts imposed by factories this week. Prices have been pulled by upwards of 10c/kg, with prices at the lower end of the market starting at €7.70/kg while a significant number of lambs traded through groups and from regular sellers range from €7.80/kg to €7.90/kg. The pull in price is being compounded by prices running up to €1/kg below the corresponding period in 2025.

Factory cite tougher trading conditions in key export markets and state that a high percentage of lambs continue to kill outside of desired specifications.

Some agents comment that markets are experiencing a normal period of pressure at the end of January and are hopeful that prices may rebound.

Farm organisations are calling on factories to reverse price cuts and support farmers at a key timeframe or face further longer-term declines in their supply.

The trade in Northern Ireland is also under pressure with quotes for Thursday falling by 15p/kg to 20p/kg compared to last week. This leaves base quotes at £6.30/kg (€7.27/kg).