Heavier lambs tip market over

LAMB prices suffered another knock this week as processors reduced quotes by 17 to 25 cent/kg (6p to 9p/lb), and prices in the marts were also back, but to a lesser degree.

French bank holidays always cause some disruption to the trade and led to stronger supplies of lamb on the market over there, which are blamed by some for the latest price drop.

But the increase in supplies to Irish factories and the increase in average weight, putting more sheep meat on to a quiet market, are big factors in the price drop.