Base lamb quotes increased by 10c/kg over the weekend bringing opening quotes for quality assured (QA) lambs to €8/kg.

The two Irish Country Meats (ICM) plants and Dawn Meats are quoting a base price of €7.80/kg plus 20c/kg QA payment.

This leaves producer groups being paid €8.10/kg, with sellers with significant numbers on hand also easily receiving similar returns.

Producer group procurement managers report frustration that prices being paid have been left in the shade by prices paid in many live sales and to sellers with strong negotiating power.

Prices paid to such sellers are in the region of €8.20/kg, while at the top end of the market, prices of €8.30/kg are being paid.

Live sales

The trade for quality fleshed lambs in Athenry on Monday was much sharper, with lambs firming by a few euro per head.

Lambs weighing 50kg to 53kg sold from €184 to €194, with the best-quality lots rising to upwards of €200/head.

A small number of lots of heavier lambs weighing in the region of 57kg to 64kg sold from €204 to €217/head.

Northern Ireland

Base quotes in Northern Ireland are also edging upwards, with plants quoting £6.90/kg (€8.03/kg) but paying £7/kg-plus (€8.15/kg) to groups and regular sellers.

Reports indicate agents purchasing sheep for direct slaughter in Ireland are paying similar, with prices trending ahead of the trade in Ireland.

The significant difference in prices on offer is a 1kg higher carcase weight limit of 22.5kg in plants in Ireland, with plants in Northern Ireland remaining on 21.5kg.