Lamb prices have shown further signs of recovery this week in the marts. Factory agents were particularly active over the last number of days. Prices have improved by €4 to €6/head on the back of better prices paid in factories.

Factory lambs and heavier butcher type lambs have seen a big improvement in demand and price. Factory lambs weighing from 43kg to 45kg are selling from €118 to €132/head, or €75 to €87 over the weight. These prices represent an increase of €3 to €7/head on average compared with last week’s prices.

Heavier butcher-type lambs weighing over 48kg to 50kg are selling from €135 to €142/head, with higher prices paid where demand was strong.

Store lambs are coming out to sales in stronger numbers now. Prices are up for these lambs by up to €10/head as more grass buyers come on stream.

Short-keep store lambs weighing 39kg to 42kg are selling from €105 to €116/head. Lighter lambs weighing 36kg to 38kg are selling from €95 to €105/head. Very light lambs weighing 30kg to 35kg are selling from €78 to €94/head.

Supplies of ewes and lambs at foot are dropping off now as the year progresses. Ewes with one lamb are selling from €140 to €185/unit. Ewes with two lambs are selling from €175 to €230/unit.

Prices for cull ewes are solid after last week’s increases. Some sales even saw further increases in prices. Fleshed average-sized ewes are selling from €120 to €135/head, with top prices of over €150/head paid for heavy fleshed lots. Lighter ewes in need of further feeding are selling from €78 to €105/head, depending on size and flesh cover.

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