Sheep Trade & Prices
Quotes: Firm competition from the live trade in the run up to Eid has increased demand for the lambs and hoggets available, however base quotes from major lamb processors remain variable, with base quotes for lambs in the region of €9.50/kg-€9.80/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 have dropped this week, with base quotes in the region of €9.00/kg-€9.10/kg.
Prices: The average reported deadweight price last week (w/e 23rd May) has increased to €9.33/kg. Trade remains ahead of the corresponding period last year when the reported deadweight price was €8.44/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 €0.10/kg to €9.90/kg. Looking at the Southern Hemisphere, trade has recovered in Australia with reported prices for heavy lambs up by the equivalent of €0.22/kg to €6.81/kg last week. After some downward pressure on the trade in New Zealand, prices went increased by €0.07/kg to €5.49/kg last week.
Throughput: Total sheep throughput in DAFM approved plants for week ending 23rd May was 44,804, 23% ahead the corresponding week in 2025. Current YTD throughput has fallen 3.4% behind 2025 levels to 810,520 head, with decreases in numbers of lambs contributing to this trend.
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