This week's sheep trade sees further seasonal pressure on spring lamb price, but quotes are remaining 50c/kg above the same week last year despite this.

Prices this week are at approximately €9.20/kg for spring lambs, up 50c/kg from this time last year when spring lamb prices were at approximately €8.70/kg.

Despite this, prices have been cut over the past two weeks when spring lamb prices were at €9.90/kg.

Generally speaking, early July traditionally sees mid-season lambing flocks drafting higher numbers of lambs and spring lamb supplies tend to become more widely available.

Sheep trade: Factory prices

This week, Kepak is quoting €9.00/kg plus a €0.15c/kg Quality Assurance (QA) bonus for spring lambs, leaving €9.15/kg on offer here up to 21.5kg carcass-weight this week.

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 €9.00/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for spring lambs, leaving €9.20/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 €8.00/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for hoggets, leaving €8.20/kg on offer here up to 23kg carcass-weight.

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

The outlet is quoting €5.00/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 €9.30/kg for spring lambs this week.

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