There is mounting frustration among sheep producers in Ireland regarding the rate at which base quotes are rising. While prices paid to sellers with greater negotiating power have increased above €8/kg, base quotes for Thursday remain stuck in gear at an average of €7.70/kg to €7.80/kg for quality assured sheep.

In contrast, base quotes for hoggets in factories in Northern Ireland have jumped by 40p/kg and stand at £6.90/kg or the equivalent of €7.96/kg at an exchange rate of 87.7p to the euro.

The latest Agriculture Horticulture Development Board price report shows prices in Britain increasing by almost 30p/kg last week to average £7.53/kg (€8.68/kg).

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Reports this week show further increases ranging from 15p/kg to 30p/kg with prices ranging from £7.60/kg to £7.80/kg (€8.76/kg to €8.99/kg).