The Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, which this year takes place from 9 to 13 July, has firmly established itself as the single-most important week in the sheep market calendar.

Reports indicate throughput is on target to significantly exceed the 70,000 head mark and possibly fall close to peak throughput of some 78,000 head in 2021.

In contrast to other religious festivals, demand for Eid al-Adha is concentrated to the week leading up to the event and the first couple of days.

Peak capacity

Factories have been working at close to peak capacity, with agents increasing purchasing activity from the middle of last week, while live exporters have also been active in recent weeks filling orders.

Base quotes for the first half of this week were unchanged at a range of €7.30/kg to €7.40/kg, with Kildare Chilling now not quoting for Thursday.

Individual sellers with lower negotiating power typically received prices in the region of €7.40/kg to €7.55/kg. Those trading through groups or with greater negotiating power are trading in the region of €7.60/kg, while at the top end of the market, prices of €7.65/kg to €7.70/kg have been paid.

Factories are trying to condition producers to reduced demand following the Eid al-Adha festival.

However, there may be a significant drop-off in lamb numbers coming on to the market, with many farmers drafting lambs at lighter weights, while a cohort of farmers are heading into weaning lambs, which could further slow drafting.

Northern Ireland trade

The number of sheep imported from Northern Ireland (NI) is also likely to be significantly lower, with marts and factories closed for one to two days for 12 July celebrations there.

Plants in NI have also been working at greater capacity, with stronger demand reflected in base quotes rising by 5p/kg to 10p/kg and ranging from £6.05/kg to 6.10/kg.

This is the equivalent of €7.07/kg to €7.13/kg, with NI prices not receiving the flat rate VAT top-up that Irish farmers do.

Top prices negotiated earlier in the week were 10p/kg to 15p/kg higher to ward off interest from agents purchasing lambs for direct slaughter in southern plants.

Reports indicate these price premiums are harder to negotiate as the week progresses, with factories trying to curtail prices paid.

Ewe trade

The ewe trade is solid and the strength of demand is reflected in factories handling higher numbers in the week leading up to the festival.

Base quotes remain at €4/kg, with top prices paid to producers trading through groups or individually with high numbers recorded at €4.10/kg to €4.20/kg.

Agents purchasing through marts or handling big numbers of ewes are securing 10c/kg to 20c/kg above the going rate.

Carcase weight limits continue to range from 40kg to 46kg.