This week's sheep trade has seen €9.90/kg tabled again for Quality Assured (QA) spring lambs at several outlets.

Higher spring lamb price offers had dipped in early June to €9.70/kg before lifting again by 20c/kg last week and holding for this week.

Factory lamb procurement staff have said supplies of lambs are remaining scarce but also noted that the higher lamb price is coming under slightly more pressure this week despite the tight supply.

Late June into early July traditionally sees lamb price offers reduced, but news of the trade holding firm again this week is a positive development for farmers with lambs ready to sell.

Sheep trade: Factory prices

This week, Kepak is quoting €9.55/kg plus a €0.15c/kg Quality Assurance (QA) bonus for spring lambs, leaving €9.70/kg on offer here up to 21.5kg carcass-weight this week.

The Athleague, Co. Roscommon site is quoting €5.00-€5.10/kg for cull ewes this week.

Kepak has no quote for hoggets again this week.

Irish Country Meats (ICM) is quoting €9.70/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for spring lambs, leaving €9.90/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 €9.00/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for spring lambs, leaving €9.20/kg on offer here up to 23kg.

Kildare Chilling (Dawn Meats Kildare) is quoting €9.00/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for hoggets, leaving €9.20/kg on offer here up to 23kg carcass-weight.

Kildare Chilling is quoting €9.70/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for spring lambs up to 21.5kg, leaving €9.90/kg on offer here.

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 €9.60/kg for spring lambs this week.

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