This week's sheep trade sees lamb prices take a hit of up to 20c/kg at some outlets after three weeks of prices remaining steady.

Processors have told Agriland that additional lamb supplies coming on the European market from other EU countries are "muddying the waters" by increasing competition on price for Irish lamb in key markets.

Despite what processors are saying, farm lobby groups have hit out at sheep factories, criticising them for their move to reduce prices paid to sheep farmers.

This week, Kepak is quoting €7.85/kg plus a 15c/kg Quality Assurance (QA) bonus for spring lambs, leaving €8.00/kg on offer up to 21.5kg carcass-weight.

This price is down 15c/kg since last Monday.

The Athleague, Co. Roscommon site is quoting €4.70-€4.80/kg for cull ewes again this week.

Irish Country Meats (ICM) is quoting €7.80/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for spring lambs, leaving €8.00/kg on offer here this week up to 21.5kg.

The ICM lamb price offer is down 20c/kg since last Monday.

The Navan, Co. Meath and Camolin, Co. Wexford-based outlets are quoting €4.50/kg for cull ewes again this week.

Kildare Chilling is quoting €7.90/kg plus a 10c/kg QA bonus for spring lambs up to 21.5kg carcass-weight.

Ballon Meats in Co. Carlow is quoting €8.00/kg for spring lambs this week, down 10c/kg, and €5.10/kg for cull ewes, the same as last week.