Lambs prices spring ahead

CHANGES in the lamb supply and demand pattern in the past week suited the sellers.

Tighter supply improved the price, taking the base rate over 4/kg at the factories this week for hoggets, while prices also strengthened for spring lambs, closing in on 5/kg.

Base line prices are running at 400 to 415 cent/kg (143p to 148p/lb) for hoggets. Spring lambs are making 476 to 490 cent/kg (170p to 175p/lb), with the usual bonus payments applying in both categories.