There is no change in either sheep throughput or prices over the last week.

The sheep kill has steadied at 40,846 head following a gradual decline over the previous six weeks.

Throughput is also on a par to the corresponding period in 2025, after running significantly higher for the last 10 weeks.

Analysis of kill data shows over 55,000 more sheep slaughtered from week 29 to week 41 in 2026 compared with the corresponding period in 2025. This can be broken down into 33,812 more ewes and rams and 24,784 more lambs.

Factories have managed to steady prices over the last 10 days, with base quotes unchanged.

The two Irish Country Meats plants in Camolin and Navan and Dawn Meats are quoting a base of €7.90/kg plus their 20c/kg quality assurance (QA) payment.

Ballon Meats remains on €8.20/kg and O’Flynn Meats remains out in front by merit of its all-in quote of €8.30/kg to 23kg carcase weight.

The majority of producer groups are trading in the region of €8.20/kg. There are some lambs moving at €8.30/kg where a higher payment top-up is in place or where a bonus is paid on U grading lambs.

Agents are also working hard to curtail prices paid to sellers outside of producer groups to €8.20/kg. There is some deals being completed above this range, but the frequency of such has been reduced over the last week, with demand balanced with supply.

The ewe trade in factories is also steady, but there is more life in many mart sales, especially for ewes capable of delivering high-quality carcases.

Opening prices on offer in the main factories remains in the region of €4.30/kg to €4.50/kg, with top prices paid to sellers handling significant numbers ranging from €4.50/kg to €4.70/kg.

At the top end of the market, Ballon Meats and O’Flynn Meats continue to quote a price of €5/kg for top-quality ewes.

Sellers should clarify any price differences between ewes of varying carcase weight or possible price penalties on under-fleshed ewes where there is any doubt regarding the price that will be paid.

Northern Ireland

In contrast to Ireland, throughput in factories in Northern Ireland (NI) has edged upwards, climbing above 10,000 sheep.

Exports of sheep for direct slaughter in Ireland reduced by 1,480 to 3,635 after a higher jump in the previous week.

Reports indicate agents are sticking closer to quotes, which has reduced their purchasing power. Exports to Britain for direct slaughter had held firm and increased slightly by about 200 head to 2,052 sheep.

Factories are trying to reduce prices in NI, with base quotes pulled by 10p/kg to 15p/kg and ranging from £6.85/kg to £6.90/kg (€7.97/kg to €8.03/kg). Regular sellers are being paid £7/kg (€8.15/kg). Prices in Britain have eased 5p/kg to 10p/kg to £7.25/kg (€8.38/kg).