This week's sheep trade sees prices remain generally firm as some outlets have moved to increase their carcass weight limit on lambs.

Another outlet has moved to reduce its cull ewe price for this week but the higher-rates remain available at other sites for the 35-43kg carcass weight cull ewes.

This is the third consecutive week lamb prices have held steady after falling 20c/kg following the August Bank Holiday.

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 for the start of this week.

The Athleague, Co. Roscommon site is quoting €4.50-€4.60/kg for cull ewes this week, down 20c/kg on its offer last 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 again this week.

ICM has increased its upper carcass weight limit on lambs by 0.5kg to 22kg this week.

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

ICM is quoting €6.80/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for hoggets up to 23kg leaving €7.00/kg on offer here.

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

For cull ewes, Kildare Chilling is quoting €4.90/kg plus a 10c/kg QA bonus with carcass weights ranging from 35-43kg.

Lighter ewes are being quoted at €4.40/kg plus a 10c/kg QA bonus here.

Ballon Meats in Co. Carlow is quoting €5.10/kg for cull ewes and €8/kg for lambs up to 22kg carcass weight.