The trade for store lambs is reported by many mart managers as the highlight of the lamb trade over the last fortnight, with prices as high as €4/kg plus paid for quality.

Demand is being boosted by recent favourable grass growth, while a number of mart managers report interest from beef farmers, which in some cases is being driven by a gradual deterioration in ground conditions.

The general run of prices for lowland store lambs in the mid-to-high-30kg weight bracket is €3.60/kg to €3.85/kg, with choice lots, including batches of ewe lambs, rising to and exceeding €4/kg. Some plainer types range from €3.30/kg to €3.50/kg, with male horned lambs selling from €3/kg upwards for Scotch types, to €3.50/kg plus for polled crossbreds.

Factory prices are unchanged, with base quotes remaining in the region of €8.10/kg for quality assured lambs and a significant percentage trading around the €8.20/kg mark.

NI

In contrast, plants in Northern Ireland have reduced base quotes for Thursday by 10p/kg to 15p/kg, with opening prices ranging from £6.85/kg to £6.90/kg (€7.97/kg to €8.03/kg), while regular sellers are being paid £7/kg (€8.15/kg).