The past week has seen another welcome lift in lamb prices right across the country.

Farmers have welcomed the much-needed lift, although there are signs that the trade is starting to plateau at this higher level.

Butchers lambs over 50kg have met increased demand once again in the past week.

This has lead to prices jumping by €4-5/head. This is following on from a lift of €5 to €7/head last week. Lambs over 50kg are selling mainly from €106 to €113/head, with some choice lots making over €115/head at some sales.

Factory agents are said to be very active still. They are continuing to compete with each other for finished lambs, and for short-keep lambs also. Factory lambs from 45kg to 50kg are selling mainly from €100 to €104, with prices of up to €105/head being recorded at some sales.

This in an increase of €7/head on last week, or a €12 increase in two weeks. Lambs from 42kg to 44kg are ranging mainly from €90 to €95/head, with some making over €97/head in some sales.

The store trade has improved also. Buyers who sourced store lambs early and who benefited from the price increase are coming back to buy more. Those from 30kg to 33kg are selling mainly from €69 to €75/head in most areas, up by €2-3/head on last week. Those from 33kg to 38kg are selling mainly from €78 to €85/head, again up a euro or two on last week. Stores around 40kg are selling mainly from €88 to €93/head with few top-quality types making over €95/head.