The recent increase in prices had the desired effect of attracting more sheep on to the market. Last week’s sheep kill increased 13,503 head to reach 56,811, with 43,733 hoggets, 6,560 spring lambs and 6,518 ewes and rams processed. With demand for Easter winding down this week, factories are trying to ease prices, with €5.45/kg to €5.70/kg paid for hoggets and €6.50/kg to €6.70/kg paid for spring lambs earlier in the week. Attention will quickly turn, however, to servicing Ramadan festival which commences on 5 May.