Weak Christmas trade disappoints sheep farmers

THE sheep trade has continued at a disappointing level for farmers this week, as markets failed to deliver the expected pre-Christmas price boost. However, high prices in May and strong home market demand have kept average sheep prices for the year 2% ahead of 12005.

This week’s prices at the factories remained more or less unchanged, with minor variations between the processors’ quotes.

The best quotes came from Kildare, and Kepak at Hacketstown, where the base is 342 cents/kg (122p/lb) plus the usual quality bonus of up to 6 cents/kg (2p/lb).

Dawn, Ballyhaunis is offering 1 cent/kg less, and ICM, Camolin and Navan are on a base of 339 cents/kg (121p/lb).

The trade in the marts was variable over the past week, ranging from improved to weaker returns, depending on demand and supply at the particular location.

There was a good lift in prices at Fermoy on Monday, where demand from the domestic trade pushed the prices, and butchers paid up to €41 over for the best of the lambs on offer.

Butchers lambs ranged from €75 to 99 per head, or €25 to 41 over €1/kg.

The factories paid €15 to 26 over.

But trade was much more difficult than the previous week at a big sale of 1,800 head at Kilkenny, with prices back as much as €3 per head.

Butchers and factory lots varied very little, with both selling at €18 to 31 over.

Sheep prices advanced well in the UK early last week, but about half of the gains were lost before the close of trading at the end of the week.

Prices have remained steady in France, despite a fall off in demand for lamb, and no pre-Christmas trade boost. Supplies of Irish lamb continued to sell at 370 to 375 cents/kg delivered in Paris.