The sheep trade remains strong on the back of firm demand and tight supplies, according to Bord Bia.
It also says however, that the trade was mixed across last week our key export markets.
Bord Bia says average lamb prices have seen some uplift with base quotes for Spring lamb generally making between €4.60 and €4.70/kg. Prices paid for cull ewes were making around €2.60 to €2.70/kg.
Supplies for the week ending November 15 stood at around 45,000 head, which is 14% lower than supplies for the corresponding week in 2013. Cumulative supplies are up slightly on 2013 figures standing at around 2.32 million head.
In Britain, Bord Bia says the trade remains strong with a further uplift in price reported. The SQQ live price for new season lambs in England and Wales was making the equivalent of around €4.96/kg DW towards the end of the week.
In France, it says demand has slowed down somewhat in spite of on going retail promotions, however it is hoped that the market will see some uplift in the run up to the festive period.
Bord Bia says in France this week promotions have centred on shoulders and legs. Grade 1 Irish Spring lamb price was making around €4.99/kg (inclusive of VAT) during the week.