The past week has seen another buoyant trade for lambs right across the country.

Some sales have seen prices edge up slightly by another one to two euro. However, in recent days it appears like the trade is now starting to steady and hold at the higher level. Mart managers have said factory agents and butchers are still very active at sales. However, there are indications that butcher demand is starting to wane slightly, with much of the Christmas buying now complete.

Butchers lambs over 50kg are running slightly ahead of last week. Prices in the main are ranging mainly from €110/head to €113/head, with some prices of over €116/head being achieved in some areas.

Factory lambs from 45kg to 50kg are selling mainly from €103/head to €105/head, with some prices of up to €108/head being recorded at some sales. Martwatch data shows that prices have edged up by €2/head on the same time last week, but there are indications of prices stabilising at this level. Lambs from 42kg to 44kg are ranging from €88 to €91/head, with some making over €95/head. Lambs that are under fleshed have seen a slight dip in prices in the past week, with slightly reduced feeder demand for these. The store trade remains strong and some marts have seen yet another slight increase in average prices. Those from 30kg to 33kg are selling mainly from €72/head to €75/head, with some making over €77/head.

Those from 33kg to 35kg are selling mainly from €75 to €83/head, which is steady on last week. Stores around 40kg are selling mainly from €85 to €90/head.