Lamb prices are holding firm as the supply of finished lambs remains tight, despite some fears that heavy rainfall over last weekend would push more lambs off the ground and into the marts.

Factory agents are actively buying lambs, despite reduced factory quotes. There have been reports of some farmers being approached for additional supplies ahead of the weekend.

Competition between buying agents has added an edge to the market for heavier lambs. Mart managers commented on higher prices for fat ewes this week also.

Average prices for well-fleshed lowland ewes have increased by €2 to €5 at most marts. Top-quality ewes are selling from €90 to €110, with plainer lots selling back to €80. Feeding ewes start from €40 for hill types up to €70 for lowland-cross animals.

Factory-fit lambs weighing 50kg to 52kg are selling from €100 to €106, with 47kg to 49kg making €94 to €99. Prices in the north and west, where supplies are tightest, are slightly ahead of lambs in the south.

Butcher-type lambs weighing 53kg to 55kg are an exceptionally strong trade, with prices starting at €107 and selling to €115.

Demand for store lambs is increasing, with more farmers appearing in marts looking for lambs to clean off grass on land too wet for cattle. Prices are strongest for lambs weighing 36kg to 38kg, with prices of €75 to €82.

Lighter lambs from 32kg to 35kg are selling from €60 for crossbred hill types up to €72 for lowland-cross animals. Breeding hoggets are selling from €130 to €185, but numbers brought forward for sale are showing signs of easing.