The sheep trade is starting the week in a strong manner. Factory agents have been active over the weekend in trying to entice higher numbers forward.

Procurement agents are contacting producer groups and farmers who they suspect should have numbers on hand to gauge supplies for the week.

Quotes

Quotes remain at a base of €6.00/kg to €6.10/kg, but there are higher numbers of sellers with greater negotiating power securing returns of €6.20/kg to €6.30/kg.

Select deals at the very top of the market have exceeded this level when all bonus payments and allowances on transport are taken into account.

The ewe trade has firmed after a slight easing last week

The strong demand for lambs is stemming from hogget supplies falling to a very low level.

Prices are variable, with demand remaining strongest in the east of the country. Prices here range anywhere from €5.30/kg to €5.70/kg depending on quality and weight, while prices in the west range on average from €5.30/kg to €5.50/kg.

The ewe trade has firmed after a slight easing last week, but a big differential remains between factories.

Quotes range from as low as €2.40/kg to €2.80/kg, while prices paid are generally in the range of €2.60/kg to €2.90/kg.

Remember where trading heavy ewes to check paid carcase weight limits, as these are typically being enforced at 40kg.