There is more life in the sheep trade at the start of the week, but this has not translated into any movement in base quotes for lambs.

Agents are looking to source higher numbers, but the base quote on offer to groups and sellers without any additional negotiating power remains in the region of €7.70/kg plus the factories' 20c/kg quality assurance (QA) payment.

Dawn Meats and Irish Country Meats are both offering this opening base price.

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There are some deals based on a higher bonus payment for U grading lambs at €8.10/kg, but, in general, the majority of group lambs are moving at €8/kg.

This price is also being paid to sellers with significant numbers and factory agents are working hard to try to curtail prices paid to sellers with greater negotiating power at this level.

However, there are cracks appearing, with €8.10/kg paid on Monday.

It is clear from the mart trade that sellers handling very large numbers are able to secure higher from the market given the appetite shown in live sales.

Mart prices have firmed by €1 to €2/head in the last week, with the increase most evident where wholesalers are active in sales.

Mart trade

Ennis Mart reported a solid trade in its sale on Monday, with buyers exhibiting a keener demand for both finished and store lambs.

A selection of heavier lambs weighing 52kg to 54kg upwards sold from €182 to €190, with a few lots selling to €200.

Prices for slaughter-fit sheep averaged €3.53/kg, with lambs weighing 48kg to 49kg selling from €176 to €182 for well-fleshed quality lots.

Fermoy Mart

There was a lively trade in Fermoy Mart for any suitable slaughter-fit lambs.

The general run of prices for lambs weighing 50kg to 55kg was from €182 to €188, with some excellent-quality lots topping the €190 mark and selling to €194.

Buyers were willing to drop down in the weight for quality fleshed lambs, with standout prices including €175 and €177 paid for fleshed lambs weighing 45kg to 47kg.

Athenry Mart

There was a large entry of sheep in Athenry Mart, with well-fleshed lowland lambs continuing to trend ahead of equivalent factory returns.

Lambs weighing 50kg to 53kg ranged in price from €180 to €187, with some heavier lambs selling to the mid- to high-€190s, with the €200 mark exceeded six or seven times for lambs weighing 57kg to 62kg.