This week's sheep trade sees lamb prices cut by a further 20c/kg since last Monday (August 3), but cull ewe price offers have held firm.

Processors are particularly keen for heavy cull ewes.

Some outlets are offering price premiums for cull ewes over 30kg carcass-weight and other outlets offering a price premium for cull ewes over 35kg carcass-weight.

Some outlets are not quoting for spring lambs this week but the general pricing trend seems to be one of overall price decline for lambs.

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.

Irish Country Meats (ICM) is quoting €8.20/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for spring lambs, leaving €8.40/kg on offer here up to 22kg carcass-weight. This price is down 20c/kg from last week.

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 quote for spring lambs this week.

The outlet is quoting €5.30/kg for cull ewes from 35-45kg carcass-weight.

Lighter ewes will be priced on valuation at the outlet.

Ballon Meats in Co. Carlow is quoting €8.30/kg for lambs this week.

The outlet is quoting €5.30/kg for cull ewes again this week.