Domestic lamb trade continues at firm prices

THERE has been little or no change in prices on offer for lambs at the factories this week, and there’s a continued firm domestic trade in the lead in to Christmas.

Except for adjustments up and down by no more than 1 cent/kg, prices at the factories are similar to last week, with base prices of 340 or 341 cents/kg (122p/lb), and the usual bonus payments for quality.

Kepak at Hacketstown and Kildare are on the slightly higher price this week.

At the marts, the numbers on offer are down this week. Butchers lambs are a good trade at improved prices, with up to €32 over being paid for the best, while the prices being paid for the factory lots are unchanged.

There were 300 head on offer at Fermoy this week, and trade was steady, similar to the previous week. Butchers lambs made €25 to €32 over, while factory lambs made €18 to 30 over.

There was 630 head on offer at Kilkenny on Monday — a smaller entry than last week. Butchers lambs were improved by €2 or €3 per head, and factory agents paid €1 or 2 per head more than last week. Butchers lambs ranged from €27 to 32 over. Factory lambs sold at €21 to 35 over. Store lambs sold at €15 to 23 over.

In the UK, the market has been very well supplied over the past week, resulting in weaker lamb prices. Weaker demand for lamb in France has also impacted on the trade in the UK. In France, the top quality Irish lamb is making 375 cents/kg delivered in Paris, with demand described as low but steady, and lacking any Christmas sparkle.