New season lamb price goes over 480 cent/kg for the first time in 2006

ANOTHER positive week for sheep farmers, with price improvements for both new season lamb and hoggets.

Quoted prices for new lambs gained 6 cents/kg (2p/lb) at Hacketstown, to bring the base to 482 cent (175p). Other processors continued to quote 476 cent.

In the marts, the new season supply is also more evident this week, and up to €50 over €1/kg is being paid. The trade for hoggets is continuing strong. There were 780 head at Fermoy on Monday. The new lamb made €44 to €50 over €1/kg, and butchers paid €28 to €46 over for hoggets. Prices were improved by €2 per head at Kilkenny on Monday, where 1,250 head were on offer. Spring lambs made €44 to €54 over, with butchers paying €25 to €46 over for hoggets, and factory agents buying at €22 to €49 over.