Bastille Day to hit already weakened lamb trade

IT has been another difficult week for sheep farmers, with lamb prices cut as much as 17 cents/kg (6p/lb) over a week, because of sluggish meat demand.

Prices fell through the second half of last week and opened weaker on Monday, at base prices ranging from 370 back to 360 cents/kg (132p to 129p/lb).

There was further adjustment on Tuesday, leaving base prices of 364 back to 360 cents/kg (130p to 129/lb).

The supply of lambs to factories has slipped about 10% compared to the same time last year. In the marts, trade varied according to location and local demand.

Some marts saw improved trade, while others had weaker demand, and prices back as much as €4/head.

The trade was described as excellent at Fermoy on Monday, where 700 head met with improved prices.

The butchers lambs ranged from €25 to €39 over €1/kg, while factory lots made €21 to €32 over. There were 1,000 head on offer at Kilkenny Mart on Monday, where trading was difficult and prices were back as much as €4/head from the previous week. Butchers lambs sold at €20 to €33 over. The factory lots made €22 to €38 over.

In Britain, the trade was steadier through the week. The market in France was slow due to the warmer weather, and more families on holidays.

Bord Bia reports that by the end of the week the top quality Irish lamb delivered to Paris was making around 420 cent/kg, with the prospects forward not encouraging, with Bastille Day tomorrow likely to hit the weekend trade.

* Pig prices are unchanged, according to IFA, despite pig factory throughput falling 2,000 head from the previous week.

According to IFA, the Irish average pig price of €1.45 per kg has fallen further behind the EU-25 average pig price of €1.57/kg (for Grade E pigs of 55% to 60% lean meat, excluding VAT but including transport and bonuses).