The sheep trade has steadied and reports indicate that there is a firmer tone to the trade.

While factory agents are working harder to source sheep, they have not been given licence to pay more, with prices remaining unchanged.

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

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Groups and regular sellers are being paid €9.10/kg on average, while, at the top end of the market, prices are rising to €9.20/kg for groups with a higher bonus payment mechanism or for U grading lambs.

Last week’s sheep kill figure increased by 1,357 head to 39,475. This is about 730 head lower than the corresponding week in 2025.

This does not take into account that the kill figure is being boosted by a change in recording ewe and ram throughput, with this figure over 1,500 head higher.

The kill can be broken down to 33,006 lambs, down 2,388 head compared with the corresponding week in 2025, 5,078 ewes and rams – up 1,575 head and 1,391 hoggets – unchanged on 2025 levels.

Hogget prices also remain unchanged, which shows the strength of demand at this late stage of the year. The two ICM plants are quoting €8/kg for QA hoggets, with more going to specialist finishers.

Ewe trade

Ewe prices have firmed in Dawn Kildare, with the base quote up 20c/kg to €5.20/kg for ewes weighing from 35kg to 43kg carcase weight, with lighter ewes priced lower depending on carcase weight.

ICM is unchanged on €5/kg, while Ballon Meats remains well out in front at €5.50/kg.

Demand has firmed in mart sales, with buyers purchasing ewes and heavy lambs for export more active in recent days.

Northern Ireland

Marketing activity of sheep is much lower in Northern Ireland due to 12 July celebrations.

Many sales are not being held this week and factories are operating at lower throughput.

Farmers are also slower in drafting lambs. ABP has had to increase its base quote by 25p/kg to £7.50/kg (€8.82/kg) to compete for lambs.

The plant was 25p/kg lower than Dunbia last week, which is not quoting this week.

Reports indicate that agents purchasing sheep for export to Britain continue to insert strong competition into the trade, along with those buying for exporting to plants in Ireland.

The British lamb prices is currently at £8.15/kg (€9.58/kg). This is €1/kg higher than in 2025, with Irish prices 80c/kg higher and NI almost 50c/kg higher.

Looking further afield, the latest Bord Bia sheep price dashboard shows Spanish lamb topping the €10/kg mark, while French lamb prices are reported at €9.56/kg, similar to in 2025.

Prices in Australia of €6.88/kg are 75c/kg higher year on year, with prices in New Zealand at €5.82/kg about 90c/kg higher.