This week's sheep trade sees no movement on prices for ewes or hoggets after last week's price cuts.

Up to 20c/kg was cut from hogget price in cases last week, and farmer sources have told Agriland the highest-available prices this week are ranging from €7.70-€7.80/kg for hoggets.

This time last year, over €9/kg was being paid in cases for hoggets.

As of Sunday, February 1, a total of just over 153,000 sheep have been slaughtered to date this year - a rise of 5,700 head or 4% on last year.

Sheep trade: Factory prices

This week, Kepak is quoting €7.50/kg plus a 15c/kg Quality Assurance (QA) bonus for spring lambs, leaving €7.65/kg on offer up to 23kg carcass-weight.

The Athleague, Co. Roscommon site is quoting €4.30-€4.40/kg for cull ewes again this week.

Irish Country Meats (ICM) is quoting €7.50/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for lambs, leaving €7.70/kg on offer here up to 23kg carcass-weight this week.

The Navan, Co. Meath and Camolin, Co. Wexford-based outlets are quoting €4.30/kg for cull ewes again this week.

Kildare Chilling is quoting €7.50/kg plus a 10c/kg QA bonus for hoggets up to 23kg carcass-weight this week.

Kildare Chilling is quoting €4.30/kg plus a 10c/kg QA bonus for cull ewes with carcass weights from 35-43kg.

For cull ewes under 35kg carcass-weight, Kildare Chilling is quoting €3.70 plus a 10c/kg QA bonus, leaving €3.80/kg on offer here.

Ballon Meats in Co. Carlow is quoting €7.80/kg for hoggets this week. The outlet is quoting €5.00/kg for cull ewes again this week.