Farmers negotiating the sale of lambs are facing a much tougher stance from factories. Quotes for Thursday have reduced by 30c/kg to 40c/kg or the equivalent of €6 to €8 on a 20kg carcase.

Moyvalley Meats lead the quotes table on an all-in quote of €6.80/kg, with Kildare Chilling next up on a base of €6.60/kg. The two ICM plants are 10c/kg back on a base of €6.50/kg, with Ballon on a similar all-in price.

The greatest reduction has occurred in Kepak Athleague, which is quoting a flat price of €6.40/kg, while Dawn Ballyhaunis continue to offer no quote for spring lambs or hoggets after a number of weeks.

Farmers trading lambs on Wednesday were still having success in securing €6.75/kg to €6.90/kg, but were facing a more difficult trade, depending on their location, for lambs trading later in the week.

Processors are blaming an easing in prices in competing markets, with Spanish lamb highlighted as coming on stream in higher quantities and at a lower price.

Domestic supplies of Lacaune lamb in France is also being earmarked as tempering demand.

An increase in supplies has given factories confidence to test farmers’ resolve and the success of the latest price pull, or further attempts, will be heavily influenced by supplies coming on stream over the coming week. Last week’s kill was recorded at 55,725 head, an increase of 5,145 on the previous week.

Spring lamb throughput increased by 4,836 head to reach 22,020, while hogget throughput fell marginally by 2,166 head to 22,955. The ewe and ram kill also jumped back over 10,000 head, rising by 2,470 head to 10,745.

Hogget quotes are steady, which reflects the fact that factories are still keen to maximise throughput.

The only change to last week is ICM easing its quote by 10c/kg to a base of €5.90/kg.

A high percentage of hoggets left in the system are in the hands of specialist finishers, with top prices reported of €6.20/kg to €6.35/kg, with those handling smaller numbers continuing to secure €6.00/kg to €6.10/kg.

The northern trade has also eased, with quotes falling 40p/kg to £5.50/kg. This is the equivalent of €6.26/kg at 87.8p to the euro and €6.60/kg with VAT included at 5.4%.

Northern plants have ceased quoting for hoggets and the lower interest is boosting supplies coming south for direct slaughter. This is evident in the number of sheep imported south for direct slaughter increasing by 2,174 head to 6,670.

Plants have also moved to ease quotes for ewes, with the two ICM plants and Kepak falling below the €3.00/kg mark, with a 10c/kg drop to €2.90/kg. Top prices paid range from €3.10/kg to €3.30/kg.

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