Lamb prices drop sharply

LAMB prices are continuing to ease back with weaker trade at factories and marts undermining the boost that resulted from the most recent outbreaks of foot and mouth in Britain.

Up to 30c/kg (11p/lb) has been wiped of the prices for lambs at the factories and prices at the marts are down by up to €13/head with the ease continuing.

There has been a surge in supplies to the factories and the numbers on offer at the live sales at the marts have rocketed as producers responded to the demand to take advantage of the higher prices on offer.