The number of lambs on offer at marts is reducing and with a tightening of supply, there is a slightly improved price at marts.

Mart managers have reported that there is improved demand from both butchers and from factory agents.

However, they are continuing to focus on sourcing well covered lambs with those lacking flesh fetching lower prices.

Prices of both factory lamb and heavy butchers’ lambs are up by €1 to €2/head, with butchers’ lambs seeing the best increase.

Heavy butchers’ lambs over 50kg have been met with a small price increase in some areas. Prices paid at mart sales are ranging mainly from €95 to €100/head, with some reports of prices of up to €105/head being paid for choice lots in certain areas.

Factory lambs from 45kg to 50kg are selling mainly from €90 to €95, with some prices of up to €96/head being recorded. Again, the best trade is for well-conformed lambs with good fat cover.

Lambs from 42kg to 44kg are ranging mainly from €84 to €87/head, which is similar to or slightly improved on last week. Store lamb prices are steady, but some lighter types have seen a marginal increase in prices.

The average 40kg store is selling mainly from €78 to €82/head, with few top-quality types making over €85/head.

Lighter store lambs from 35kg to 37kg are a steady trade and are selling mainly from €73 to €79/head depending on quality.

Feeding ewes are still selling from €60 to €70/head, with fleshed ewes selling mainly from €90 to €110/head, depending on quality, with prices averaging around the €100/head mark.