Talks aim to restore lamb returns

Marts: Lamb prices remained stable at the factories yesterday, retaining the slight gains earlier in the week, but the export trade remains difficult.

There was a commitment to work towards recovery in returns to producers at direct talks between representatives for both producers, represented by IFA and processors represented by Meat Industry Ireland on Thursday evening, but the outcome of the meeting lacked any assurance of immediate improvement in returns to producers.

Yesterday the factory quotes ranged 420-412 cents/kg (150p-147p/lb) compared to a top quote of 406 cents/kg (145p/lb) last week, but well below the 475 cents/kg (170p/lb) which was on the table after the farmer protest at the factories last month.