Steady trade in 381 to 386 cent per kg range
The processors’ base prices have settled within a narrow range of 386 back to 381 cents/kg (138p to 136p/lb).
In the marts, the trade was improved by €2 or €3 per head on Monday, and demand was strong.
The trade in Britain showed slight improvement through last week, gaining 10 cent/kg equivalent to conclude the week at the equivalent of 378 cent/kg (135p/lb), with strong supplies being offered on the markets.
In France, the trade remained steady through the week.
Demand has been unchanged and prices have been firm, with the Irish lamb selling for up to 370 cent/kg (132p/lb).
The supply of lamb from Ireland was steady, while there was more lamb from the UK on the market. The French lamb supply has fallen back considerably.
In the marts here in Ireland, there was an improved trade for lambs at Fermoy on Monday, where butchers paid up to €46 over. Prices ranged back to €30 over, and factory lots sold at €26 to €37 over.
With almost 1,300 head on offer at Kilkenny, prices were improved by up to €3 per head for the butcher’s lambs, which made up to €43 over, and the factory lambs sold at €28 to €35 over.
Numbers on offer were slightly higher at Athenry on Monday, where the trade was also improved, with up to €2 per head more being paid. The lamb prices ranged from €31 to €39 over €1 per kg.
Weekly supplies to the factories have edged up on the same period last year, with the year to date supply of lambs up 8%.
