The sheep trade is starting off the week relatively steady, although factories have moved to ease quotes from late last week with base prices ranging from €6.00-6.20/kg.

Kildare Chilling is on a base price of €6.20/kg plus a 10c/kg quality assurance bonus for lambs - which is back 10c/kg from late last week.

While Irish Country Meats (ICM) is on a base price of €6.00/kg plus a 10c/kg QA bonus - which is also back 10c/kg from late last week.

Top prices going by reports appear to be ranging from €6.30--6.40/kg - with supplies continuing to remain tight and with a large number of lighter lambs drafted for slaughter over the last few weeks - it should mean supplies remain tight.

The ewe trade remains strong, although Kildare Chilling eased its base price for ewes by 10c/kg to €3.20c/kg, while ICM remains at €3.30c/kg.

Top prices for ewes reportedly range from €3.30-3.50/kg.

Speaking about the sheep trade at present, Sean McNamara of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) said: "The trade is holding firm, with prices topping €6.30-6.40/kg for lambs.

"There is still a strong demand there and with the store lamb trade kicking into gear, I'd be saying head to the mart - especially with ewe lambs as there is a strong farmer interest for ewe lambs."