Sheep
There will be no major of glut of spring lambs for at least another month, with supplies to stay tight at least until then.
A considerable tightening in spring lamb supplies has forced factory buyers to work that bit harder to secure numbers this week.
As has been the case over recent weeks, the spring lamb trade continues to remain challenging and processors have imposed further price cuts.
Although the spring lamb trade steadied somewhat last week, mixed messages have been circulating throughout factory lairages this week
The spring lamb market stepped up a gear this week, as factory buyers were keen to secure spring lambs ahead of this weekend's Easter break.
The number of sheep slaughtered in Ireland has reached its highest level in nine years, figures from the Department of Agriculture show.
The country is currently grasped by a cold spell. However, the wintry conditions of late have yet to put a chill on lamb prices.
Beef
Just over 1.2 million cattle have been slaughtered in Ireland so far this year. That's an increase of 65,924 head on 2016 levels.
Beef cattle prices have come under increased pressure in recent weeks and, as it stands, most factories are offering 380-385c/kg for steers and 390-395c/kg for heifers.
Beef factories, for the most part, have succeeded in their quest to bring steer quotes down to 380c/kg this week.
It's a case of shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted, as many factories have opted to keep beef prices at last week's levels.
There has been little or no movement in the hogget factory trade this week, with most factories opting to stay at last week’s quoted base price levels.
