This week's sheep trade sees reductions to some of the higher hogget price offers from last week while spring lamb price offers remain unchanged.

Most outlets are offering €10/kg or above for spring lambs while 'all-in' hogget prices remain at €9.30-€9.40/kg, depending on the outlet.

Some lamb procurement staff have told Agriland that hogget prices could be reduced further as the week progresses.

The average Irish lamb price at the start of May this year was €9.26/kg. In Spain the average lamb price in the week ending Sunday, May 3, was €11.38/kg.

Sheep trade: Factory prices

This week, Kepak is quoting €9.85 plus a €0.15c/kg Quality Assurance (QA) bonus for spring lambs leaving €10.00/kg on offer here up to 21kg carcass-weight.

The Athleague, Co. Roscommon site is quoting €5.40-€5.50/kg for cull ewes again this week.

Kepak is quoting €9.15/kg plus a €0.15c/kg QA bonus for hoggets this week up to 23kg carcass-weight, leaving €9.30/kg on offer here.

Irish Country Meats (ICM) is quoting €9.20/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for hoggets, leaving €9.40/kg on offer here up to 23kg carcass-weight.

The Navan, Co. Meath and Camolin, Co. Wexford-based outlets are quoting €5.30/kg for cull ewes again this week.

ICM is quoting €9.80/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for spring lambs, leaving €10.00/kg on offer here up to 21kg.

Kildare Chilling (Dawn Meats Kildare) is quoting €9.20/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for hoggets, leaving €9.40/kg on offer here up to 23kg carcass-weight.

Kildare Chilling is quoting €9.90/kg plus a 20c/kg QA bonus for spring lambs up to 21kg, leaving €10.10/kg on offer here up to 21kg.

The outlet is quoting €5.20/kg for cull ewes from 35-43kg carcass-weight.

Lighter ewes will be priced on valuation at the outlet.

Ballon Meats in Co. Carlow is quoting €9.20/kg for hoggets this week up to 23kg carcass-weight.

The outlet is quoting €5.40/kg for cull ewes this week.