Lamb prices remain steady, with the majority of plants working of an opening offer of €9/kg for quality assured lambs.

The two Irish Country Meats (ICM) plants and two Dawn Meats plants continue to quote a base price of €8.80/kg plus a 20c/kg quality assurance payment, while Ballon Meats remains on €9/kg all-in.

Reports indicate that supply and demand is finely balanced, with agents keen to get their hands on higher numbers.

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Last week’s kill was up about 1,300 head to 39,475 head. Throughput of lambs is running 2,388 head lower than the corresponding week in 2025.

It should also be noted that average carcase weights are trending lower, with farmers moving lambs quicker due to a number of factors including tight grass supplies and prices encouraging regular drafting.

Plants are getting a low percentage of heavy lambs, with the mart trade presenting as an attractive marketing option due to strong purchasing activity from wholesale and butcher buyers. Factories have moved to compete with this trade and have increased their carcase weight limit by 0.5kg to 22kg.

The relatively tight supply of lambs is creating a continued market for hoggets. Last week’s kill included 1,391 hoggets, which is a high figure for the time of year.

ICM continues to offer a base price of €7.80/kg plus 20c/kg QA for hoggets, with slightly higher being paid for large consignments of suitable sheep.

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

Factories in Northern Ireland are trying to reduce prices again after increasing them by 20p/kg last week to try to get their hands on higher numbers.

Base quotes for Thursday are down 10p/kg to 20p/kg, with Dawn quoting a base of £7.60/kg (€8.94/kg) and ABP 10p/kg less at £7.50/kg (€8.82/kg).

Reports indicate that factories are struggling to negotiate with a vibrant live trade and that some are banking on an increase in numbers coming on to the market next week to allow them to gain a foothold on the trade.

Reports indicate that £7.70/kg is still being paid, which equates to €9.06/kg at an exchange rate of 84.9p to the euro.

Regular sellers and groups are negotiating 10p/kg to 20p/kg above the base prices being quoted.

Prices in Britain are steady and are in the region of £8.10/kg to £8.20/kg (€9.52/kg to €9.64/kg), providing continued scope for live exports.