Heavy drop in new season lamb prices

THE past week has brought about a big change in fortunes for lamb producers as lamb prices suffered their heaviest drop to date for new season supplies.

Quoted prices have come back by up to 28 cents/kg (10p/lb) at the factories to a base range of 459-454 cents/kg (164p-162p/lb) with an increase in supplies in Britain and plenty of lamb coming on to the market in France.

Prices have also eased at the mart sales this week, but the impact on Monday appeared to be less severe with the butchers lambs continuing to trade at up to e53 over e/kg for the tops.