First-half lamb price unchanged

Marts: Lamb prices have ended the first half having returned almost similar prices to 2003, but the trend has been an easing back from the high prices of 2001.

Prices in March were up over 9% on last year, while prices during May were more than 10% down on 3003. Prices in January and June dipped by 4%, but this fall was counteracted by increases of 6% and 5% respectively for February and April.

The average paid for lambs between January and June was 147p/lb (including VAT), compared to 148p/lb for the same period in 2003, but considerably less than the record price year of 2001, when an average of 166p/lb was paid over the first six months.