This week's sheep trade sees lamb prices cut by another 20-30c/kg since last Monday (August 10), but cull ewe price offers have continued to hold largely firm.

This year has seen lamb prices hold firm longer than usual, remaining at €9.00/kg and above in cases well into July.

Despite this, lamb prices are back approximately €1.70/kg or over €37/head in the past 10 weeks, but it is not uncommon for lamb prices to ease as the season progresses.

New season lamb tends to be scarce and in high demand early in the year, but as the summer and autumn progresses, more lamb comes available and prices can decline.

Sheep trade: Factory prices

This week, Kepak has no official quote for spring lambs.

The Athleague, Co. Roscommon site is quoting €4.70/kg for cull ewes and €4.90/kg for cull ewes with carcass-weights over 30kg again this week.

Irish Country Meats (ICM) is quoting €8.00/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for spring lambs, leaving €8.20/kg on offer here up to 22kg carcass-weight.

The Navan, Co. Meath and Camolin, Co. Wexford-based outlets are quoting €5.00/kg for cull ewes again this week.

Kildare Chilling (Dawn Meats Kildare) has no official quote for spring lambs but farmers have told Agriland the outlet is paying €8.20/kg for QA lambs this week.

The outlet is quoting €5.00/kg for cull ewes from 35-43kg carcass-weight. This is a 30c cut from last week's cull ewe price offer.

Ballon Meats in Co. Carlow is quoting €8.00/kg for lambs this week.

The outlet is quoting €5.30/kg for cull ewes again this week, which has held firm over the summer.