The sheep trade remains unchanged, with base quotes in the region of €8.80/kg and opening prices at €9/kg for quality assured lambs.
Supply and demand remains finely balanced, with factory agents keen to get their hands on any additional numbers coming on stream.
Reports indicate that the average carcase weight of lambs is also running slightly below the norm for the time of year.
The two Irish Country Meats (ICM) plants in Camolin and Navan have increased their carcase weight limit by 0.5kg to 22kg.
This will undoubtedly put pressure on competing factories to follow suit, with little to separate plants when it comes to prices paid for lambs.
Ewe trade
Ewe prices are broadly unchanged, but there is some movement in quotes in Dawn Kildare.
The plant increased its quote for heavier ewes weighing between 35kg and 43kg to €5.20/kg.
Prices for light-carcase ewes depend on weight ranges and fat cover.
The two ICM plants are offering an opening price of €5/kg, while Ballon Meats and other abattoirs specialising in ewes are trading in the region of €5.50/kg-plus.
Northern Ireland
Prices have recovered strongly in plants in Northern Ireland, with numbers currently tight and continued competition from agents purchasing sheep for export to Britain and Ireland.
Reports indicate that £7.70/kg is being paid, which equates to €9.06/kg at Monday evening’s exchange rate of 84.9p to the euro. Regular sellers and groups are negotiating 10p/kg to 20p/kg higher.
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