Lamb supply back 20%
A number of the factories did not quote for lambs during the early days of this week. Those which quoted offered 364 cents/kg (130p/lb) to 370 cents/kg (132p/lb) as a base price, with the usual bonus payments applying.
Supplies increased in Britain over recent weeks, resulting in weaker prices.
Their end of week prices were equivalent to 356 cents/kg (127p/lb), following an increase of about 7% in the number of lambs coming to the market.
In France the trade has steadied at a lower level and Irish lamb on the market has been selling at 365 cents/kg (130p/lb).
There is strong competition coming from the imported New Zealand supplies which are making trading difficult for lamb from both Ireland and Britain because of the price difference.
Lamb supplies in Ireland at the end of November went ahead of the corresponding weeks in 2001 but they have been slipping back again over recent days and it now looks that the out-turn for the year will be supply down by 20% or slightly more on 2001.
In the marts on Monday, the factory lambs were dearer by €1 or €2 per head at Kilkenny on Monday, where there was a large sale of 1,770 head.
Butchers lambs were easier by 1 or 2 per head. The trade at Athenry Mart on Monday was improved by 2 or 3 per head, with smaller supplies on offer.
At Midleton Mart, there was keen demand for all weights.
