This week’s sheep trade sees significant variation between both the prices quoted and prices being paid across Irish sheep-processing outlets.

Spring lamb quotes are ranging from €7.50-7.80/kg with up to €8/kg being paid for spring lambs at the top-end of the price scale this week.

The 50c/kg difference in spring lamb prices would equate to €11/lamb price differential on a 22kg carcass.

Sheep trade – hoggets

Kildare Chilling is quoting €7.00/kg plus a 10c/kg Quality Assurance (QA) bonus, bringing its offering for hoggets to €7.10/kg again week. This outlet is paying up to 23kg carcass weight.

Irish Country Meats (ICM) is quoting €7.00/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for hoggets, bringing its offering to €7.20/kg, up to 23kg carcass weight.

Other outlets are quoting €6.85/kg plus a 15c/kg QA bonus for hoggets bringing their price offerings to €7.00/kg, up to 23kg carcass weight.

Spring lamb

For spring lambs, Kildare Chilling has no quote for this week.

ICM is quoting €7.60/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus, bringing its offering up to €7.80/kg for 20.5kg carcass weight.

Other outlets are quoting €7.50/kg plus a 15c/kg QA bonus up to 20.5kg carcass weight, leaving €7.65/kg on the table at these.

Cull ewes

Kildare Chilling is quoting €3.50/kg plus a 10c/kg QA bonus up to 40kg carcass weight leaving €3.60/kg on offer for ewes here.

ICM is quoting €3.30/kg for ewes up to 45kg carcass weight while other outlets are €3.40/kg up to 46kg carcass weight.

ICSA comment

Commenting on the trade for finished lambs, ewes and hoggets this week, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association’s (ICSA) sheep chair Sean McNamara has encouraged farmers to shop around for the best price for their finished stock.

He said: “Up to €8/kg is being paid for spring lambs this week and farmers should shop around before selling lambs to ensure they are securing the best price they can.

“Supplies of spring lambs are scarce everywhere this year and farmers should ensure all their lambs are fully fit before bringing them out for sale”.