Lamb prices are facing renewed downward pressure, with base quotes now averaging in the region of €7.80/kg.

The two Irish Country Meats (ICM) plants had held ahead of competing plants last week, but reduced their base quote by 20c/kg to join Dawn Meats on €7.80/kg at the start of this week plus their 20c/kg quality assurance (QA) payment.

Meanwhile, Ballon Meats is quoting €8/kg all-in, while reports indicate Kepak is slightly lower.

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This has reduced prices on offer to farmers trading outside of groups and with low negotiating power to €8/kg for QA lambs.

Groups and regular sellers are being paid €8.10/kg, while there are select deals being completed at €8.20/kg. These prices are harder come by as the week progresses.

Factories are blaming higher numbers in the market and subdued demand for the latest pull in price.

This is also contributing to a longer lead-in time from booking to slaughter.

Last week’s lamb kill increased by about 3,300 head to 38,821. This is 5,707 head above the corresponding week in 2025, with the lamb kill for the year to date now only running shy of 8,000 head lower.

Average carcase weights are reported as being marginally lower, which is not surprising given the ongoing challenges with drought.

Factory procurement agents in the east of the country are advising farmers to take care when drafting, with some lambs killing much lower than anticipated.

Ewe prices

Cull ewe prices have come under pressure, with quotes down by 20c/kg to 30c/kg on the week.

The two ICM plants are down 20c/kg and are quoting €4.80/kg, with Dawn reducing by a similar figure to €5/kg. Ballon Meats has also reduced its ewe quote by 20c/kg back to €5.30/kg.

The reduction in quotes was seen coming, with factory agents coyer in their purchasing activity in mart sales over the last week.

Last week’s ewe and ram kill was up by about 300 head to 7,894. On the face of it, there appears to be a big jump in throughput year on year with the kill 3,422 head higher, but a significant proportion of these extra numbers are stemming from a change in the recording of ewe throughput in abattoirs.

Northern Ireland

The trade in Northern Ireland is also facing significant pressure, with base quotes for Thursday down 10p/kg to 20p/kg on last week’s level.

Base quotes for Thursday are £6.60/kg for Dunbia (€7.73/kg) and £6.70/kg in ABP (€7.85/kg).

Groups and regular sellers are securing 10p/kg to 15p/kg higher, but agents are trying to curtail prices at the higher end of the market.

Last week’s kill increased by about 700 head to reach 8,983, while exports have reduced. The number of sheep exported to Ireland for direct slaughter reduced from 2,589 to 1,780 and the number exported to Britain for direct slaughter also reduced from 3,019 to 2,017.