There are varying fortunes for sheep producers selling lambs depending on the plant they are trading with.

The two Irish Country Meats (ICM) plants in Camolin and Navan have held their base price at last week’s level of €8/kg plus their 20c/kg quality assurance (QA) payment.

In contrast, Dawn plants have reduced their base quote below the €8/kg mark, with this week’s quote falling by 20c/kg to a base of €7.80/kg.

Reports also point to Kepak reducing its base to €7.85/kg plus its 15c/kg QA quote, although the plant continues to offer no official quote.

The variability in quotes has opened up a 20c/kg to 30c/kg difference in prices paid.

At the top end of the market, groups trading in ICM are being paid €8.20/kg to €8.25/kg. Groups trading in other plants are trading from €8/kg to €8.10/kg.

NI prices

Factories in Northern Ireland are also trying to reduce quotes. Quotes vary from £6.60/kg to £6.70/kg (€7.83/kg to €7.85/kg), with regular sellers being paid 10p/kg to 15p/kg higher.

Reports indicate that agents purchasing sheep for export to Britain and Ireland remain active for lambs, which is providing an alternative outlet.

Ewe trade

Ewe quotes are unchanged, with plants with a lower demand for ewes quoting from €5/kg to €5.30/kg.

The higher prices are confined in some plants to ewes with a carcase weight in excess of 35kg.

Top prices in plants or abattoirs most active in the ewe trade are upwards of €5.50/kg.