Weak returns as lamb output falls

WHILE returns to lamb producers have continued to disappoint for the first half of the year, output in Southern and Northern Ireland and Britain is considerably down on 2006 levels.

Lower production has meant lower exports to the key market destination, France, and the trend has ruled out over-supply as the underlying reason for the weaker returns.

Survey findings on consumer expenditure on lamb meat and household volume purchases, which are due later in the year, will be awaited with interest to cast some light on another angle of the market.