Quotes: Firm competition from the live trade in the run up to Eid has increased demand for the lambs and hoggets available, however this has had little impact on the base quotes from major lamb processors, with base quotes for lambs holding at €9.80/kg-€9.90/kg (plus QA bonus). Producers will larger numbers of lambs that meet current market specifications have been able to negotiate slightly higher prices. Hogget quotes haven’t moved this week, with base quotes in the region of €9.20/kg.
Prices: The average reported deadweight price last week (w/e 16th May) has steadied to €9.19/kg. Trade remains ahead of the corresponding period last year when the reported deadweight price was €8.59/kg. Meanwhile in GB reported deadweight prices have increased this week with a price shift of €0.20/kg to €9.85/kg. Similarly, the trade in Northern Ireland has Improved by the equivalent of €0.11/kg to €9.89/kg. Looking at the Southern Hemisphere, trade has weakened in Australia with reported prices for heavy lambs down by the equivalent of €0.28/kg to €6.58/kg last week. Amid some downward pressure on the trade in New Zealand, prices went up €0.02/kg to €5.41/kg last week.
Throughput: Total sheep throughput in DAFM approved plants for week ending 16th May was 32,121, 3% ahead the corresponding week in 2025. Current YTD throughput has fallen 4.8% behind 2025 levels to 765,716 head, with decreases in numbers of lambs contributing to this trend.
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