Tighter supply here and in UK boosts prices

THERE has been a good lift in hogget prices this week at the factories, with gains of up to 15 cents/kg (6p/lb) compared to last week.

The trade opened on Monday with a base quote of 370 cents/kg (132p/lb), uniformly offered by processors.

With slightly fewer factories slaughtering on Tuesday, Kildare advanced to a base price of 375 cents/kg (134p/lb), while Kepak, Hacketstown and Dawn, Ballyhaunis remained at 370 cents/kg.

The improvement in price is the result of tighter supplies on the market, both in this country and Britain, which is also being reflected in the French trade.

Lamb intake at factories here is currently around 33,000 head, which is relatively low, and with improved export trade having a beneficial spin off for producers.

In the marts this week, prices for hoggets were improved by up to €4 per head on Monday in lively trading for both butchers and factory lots.

There was an improved trade for an entry of 353 head at Fermoy on Monday. Butchers lambs sold at €38 to 46 over €1/kg.

The factory lots made €25 to 35 over.

There was 1,250 head on offer at Kilkenny on Monday, where prices for both butchers and factory lots were improved by up to €4/head. Butchers hoggets sold at €30 to 47 over; there was a similar prices range for factory lots.

In the UK, prices improved through last week to return the equivalent of 375 cents/kg (including VAT), with supplies further tightening towards the end of the week, resulting in limited quantities being available for export.

In France — although demand is reported to be relatively slow — lower supplies from both the UK and Ireland led to a rise of up to 10 cents/kg, with Irish lamb trading at up to 390 cents/kg, delivered in Paris.