FMD scare drives lamb and beef gains

Marts: Within twenty-four hours of confirmation of the latest outbreak of FMD in Surrey, there has been market reaction with gains for both beef and lamb prices at marts and factories yesterday.

Beef prices at the marts increased by up to €15/head with scarce supplies of lamb increasing by up to €20/head as the market reacted to the re-introduction of the ban on livestock movement in Britain and the anticipation of stronger demand to replace British supplies. The impact of the ban on movement will be felt almost immediately on the prime French market for lamb supplies from Britain has returned to normal and were setting strong competition for Irish exporters over the past two weeks.

Kildare Chilling increased the quoted base price for lambs by 14 cents/kg (5p/lb) yesterday morning offering 364 c/kg (130p/lb) and producers reported deals returning higher prices throughout the day.