Lamb quotes are remaining stubbornly static, despite some signs of more life in the trade. Base quotes remain at €7.70/kg for quality assured lambs. Groups and regular sellers are being paid 5c/kg to 10c/kg higher, while at the top end of the market there are reports of €7.90/kg to €8/kg being paid for large batches, which is frustrating sellers trading through groups.

Supplies are relatively tight with the kill trending over 3,000 head below the corresponding week in 2024 and year-to-date throughput running over 434,000 head lower.

There are similar reports on the ewe trade, with some marts reporting more life while others are not witnessing the same lift.

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There is slight upward movement in some factories, with prices ranging from €4.30/kg to €4.50/kg on average and rising to €5/kg plus in plants/abattoirs most active in the ewe trade.