Little sign of halt in lamb price slide
When factories resumed slaughtering on Tuesday, quoted prices showed a drop of 6 to 14 cent/kg (5p/lb) from the opening prices of last week. Base prices ranged wider than usually from 350 cents/kg (125p/lb) back to 336 cents/kg (120p/lb). Hacketstown were at the higher level and Athleague on the lower price, while most of the other plants quoting were on 344 cents/kg (123p/lb).
In the marts on Monday, the numbers on offer were not as strong as in recent weeks, and the trade in general was steady, with the best of the demand for stores.
In Britain, the trade remained stable through the week, with prices hovering around 376 cents/kg (134p/lb), including VAT. Supplies were slightly reduced.
Demand in France is not as strong as normally expected for this time of the year and competition for Irish exporters continues to come from New Zealand and the UK. Irish lambs have been ranging from 335 to 345 cents/kg (120p to 123p/lb).
In the marts, numbers were slightly back at Athenry on Monday, where the trade for lambs was reasonably steady and demand for stores was good.
Prices for lambs for slaughter ranged from €22 to €30 over €1/kg. Stores sold at €20 to €32 over.
