While most farmers and sellers are more disappointed with the trade this week, there are signs that the number of lambs coming to the fore are starting to tighten, which could mean that the trade is starting to bottom out.

At mart level, the main reason for the variability in prices is that there are more under-fleshed lambs coming to the fore, even at heavier weights.

Heavy butchers’ lambs over 50kg are variable, with some specialist buyers driving prices at some sales, while others are reporting steady demand.

Prices range mainly from €93 to €98/head, with some reports of prices of up to €105/head being paid for choice lots in some sales by specialist buyers. Overall, prices are unchanged.

Factory lambs from 45kg to 50kg are selling mainly from €90 to €95/head, which is similar to last week, although some mart managers are reporting a slight increase of €1 to €2/head.

The level of cover on lambs is the main factor affecting prices, with better-fleshed lambs selling to over €93/head. Lambs from 42kg to 44kg are ranging mainly from €83 to €86/head and up to €88/head at some sales. Overall prices are steady to €2 to €3/head higher.

The weak factory trade is affecting store lamb sales, with prices back a little in some areas to slightly steady in other areas. The average 40kg store is selling mainly from €74 to €78/head, with few making over €79/head this week.

Lighter store lambs from 35kg to 37kg are a steady trade and are selling mainly from €69 to €75/head, depending on quality. Light lambs under 30kg are selling mainly from €55 to €70/head, depending on quality.

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