The lamb trade has been stronger this week, with competition improving on the back of tighter supplies and factory agents and butchers locking horns. Prices have increased in many marts to the tune of €2 to €4.

Lambs weighing 46kg to 50kg range in price from €125 to €133, with small numbers exceeding this mark and rising to €135 and higher. Lambs weighing 43kg to 45kg are trading from €118 to €125, depending on quality, while lighter-fleshed lots weighing 40kg to 41kg are trading in the main from €118 to €122.

It is worth noting that there is a price differential of €3 to €6 between lambs at a similar weight but varying level of fat cover.

Lighter lambs weighing 36kg to 38kg are slowly starting to appear

Mart managers point out that butcher buyers are not interested in lots containing some well-fleshed lambs and lots lacking flesh and, as such, are advising farmers to draft and group lambs carefully.

Lighter lambs weighing 36kg to 38kg are slowly starting to appear. Fleshed lots are selling from €98 to a top of €108 to €112, while lots lacking flesh are typically selling from €90 upwards. Numbers of these types remain tight.

Demand for ewes with lambs at foot continues to outstrip supplies coming on stream

Factory-grade fleshed hoggets are tight in supply. Those weighing 50kg and upwards are selling on average from €120 to €126, while lighter lots weighing 47kg to 50kg are trading from €115 to €120. Ewe hoggets suitable for breeding continue to demand a good premium, with top-quality lots selling anywhere from €130 to €160, with numbers of breeding types also tight in supply.

Demand for ewes with lambs at foot continues to outstrip supplies coming on stream.

Prices paid for good twin lamb units comprising ewes with a good mouth and solid lambs range from €215 to €250. Medium-grade lots are trading back to €200, with hill and lesser-quality lots selling from €170 to €200.

Single lamb lots are averaging from €150 to €160 for lesser-quality lowland types to as high as €190 to €220 for good ewes with strong lambs at foot. Scotch lamb units range from €100 for aged lots to as high as €170 to €180 for young ewes and nice-quality lambs.