Factories remain anxious for stock but the rate of upward movement in prices experienced in recent weeks has slowed.

Kepak Athleague is the main mover this week with its base quote of €4.85/kg plus 15c/kg quality assurance bonus (QA) rising 10c/kg and bringing entry prices for quality assured lamb to €5/kg.

Kildare Chilling is offering similar, with its base quote of €4.90/kg plus 10c/kg QA bonus unchanged on last week. The two ICM plants have lifted their base quotes by 10c/kg with their base of €4.80/kg plus 10c/kg QA closing the gap while Dawn Meats is not quoting. Ballon Meats and Moyvalley Meats have increased their all-in quote by 10c/kg to €4.90/kg.

This leaves quality assured lambs securing prices of upwards of €5.00/kg. Sellers with greater negotiating power are pushing returns to €5.10/kg while producer groups and specialist finishers handling large numbers are securing returns ranging from €5.10/kg to €5.20/kg and in rare cases even higher when conformation bonuses and allowances on transport are factored in.

The increased prices are maintaining throughput at a higher level but factories have a strong appetite for any additional sheep coming on to the market.

Last week’s kill was recorded at 64,682 head, an increase of 2,162 on the previous week. Ewe throughput is tightening, with last week’s throughput of 8,992 head marginally down on the previous week.

Ballon Meats, Kepak Athleague and Kildare Chilling have all increased quotes by 10c/kg to a range of €2.70/kg to €2.80/kg.

Top prices are 10c/kg higher, with deals for large numbers of ewes traded with significant numbers of lambs reported as hitting €2.95/kg to €3/kg.

The upturn in weather has reduced issues with the clean livestock policy but factory procurement personnel are asking farmers to be mindful of the risks and take appropriate action. Presenting sheep dry will help in most cases.

Northern trade

The number of sheep imported from Northern Ireland for direct slaughter reduced by 270 head last week and was recorded at 10,828 head. Northern factories have increased their level of competition, with quotes rising 5p/kg to 10p/kg.

Dunbia is quoting a base of £3.85/kg, with Linden 5p/kg higher at £3.90/kg. With sterling strengthening to 84.7p to the euro, this equates to €4.60/kg and €4.85/kg including VAT at 5.4%. Top prices paid to groups and sellers with large numbers are topping £4.00/kg (€4.98/kg) when bonuses are included.

The trade in Britain continues to edge upwards. AHDB report last week’s prices rising by an average of 2p/kg, with R grading lambs averaging £4.25/kg to £4.30/kg (€5.02/kg to €5.08/kg and €5.29/kg to €5.35/kg VAT inclusive).