Lamb prices slip after recent boom

Marts: Lamb prices have slipped back sharply, losing most of the boost in return to producers from the buoyant market last week, from which the trade got an unexpected lift for autumn.

The surge in prices was fuelled by demand from processors to get additional supplies to meet the deficit caused by the ban on movements in Britain which effected supplies to both the home and export markets. Although the ban on movement was lifted for supplies from all except the restricted Surrey zone, the ban on exports is to remain in place at least until August 25, leaving a void on continental markets normally supplied by British processors.

Lamb prices have continued to slip back, losing most of last week’s gain following a strong response from producers, with record numbers on offer at many of the live sales.