There has been increased pressure on factory lambs right across the country on account of lower factory prices.

Some mart managers have reported a steadying of the trade in recent days, but this is also due to slightly reduced numbers of factory-fit lambs on offer at the ringside. All in all, prices paid last week have been about €1 to €2/head behind the previous week.

Heavy butchers’ lambs over 50kg are selling mainly from €97 to €104, which is back by about €2/head on last week. The tops of heavy butchers’ lambs are ranging from €108 to €110/head.

Where numbers of fleshed and factory-fit lambs on offer have tightened, prices have held.

However, the majority of sales have seen an easing of prices once again, with the majority of factory lambs falling well below the €95/head mark.

Those from 45kg to 50kg are selling mainly from €90 to €95, which is down by €1 to €2/head on last week, with the majority making from €92 to €94/head. Lambs from 42kg to 44kg are ranging mainly from €86 to €92/head, again a shade back on last week.

In contrast to factory lamb prices, store lamb prices are holding well. The average 40kg store is selling mainly from €78 to €82/head, or around €2/kg. But there are reports of higher prices than €84/head at the upper end of the trade. Lighter store lambs from 35kg to 37kg, depending on quality, are selling mainly from €77 to €80/head, which is steady on last week.

In some sales, stores are making over €82/head. Lighter types from 30kg to 35kg are selling mainly from €68/head to €75/head. Store ewe lambs are achieving higher prices in special breeding sales, but the majority of demand for breeding is for ewe hoggets and strong ewe lambs.