Pressure is beginning to build in the sheep trade this week, with spring lamb prices coming under renewed strain.

Factory offers eased earlier in the week on Monday (June 22), and further cuts have been reported by some processors for today (Wednesday, June 24), signalling a softer tone in the market.

Spring lamb prices had been holding up to last week with €9.90/kg tables at several outlets last Monday (June 15).

The higher price offers for today (June 24) are 30-40c/kg below this level at €9.50-9.60/kg but farmers with lambs booked in from earlier in the week are still managing to secure €9.70/kg for QA lambs, and above in some cases.

Sheep trade: Factory prices

As of this morning Wednesday, June 24, Kepak is quoting €9.25/kg plus a €0.15c/kg Quality Assurance (QA) bonus for spring lambs, leaving €9.40/kg on offer here up to 21.5kg carcass-weight.

The Athleague, Co. Roscommon site is quoting €5.00/kg for cull ewes this week.

Kepak has no quote for hoggets again this week.

Irish Country Meats (ICM) is quoting €9.30/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for spring lambs, leaving €9.50/kg on offer here up to 21.5kg carcass-weight.

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

ICM is quoting €8.50/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for hoggets, leaving €8.70/kg on offer here up to 23kg.

Kildare Chilling (Dawn Kildare) is quoting €9.30/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for spring lambs up to 21.5kg, leaving €9.50/kg on offer here for Thursday (June 24).

The outlet is quoting €5.10/kg for cull ewes from 35-43kg carcass-weight.

Lighter ewes will be priced on valuation at the outlet.

Ballon Meats in Co. Carlow is quoting €9.50/kg for spring lambs today.

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