Mart prices give hope to sheep farmers

IT has been another bad week for sheep farmers, as weaker export markets were reflected in further lamb price reductions at factories.

Factory prices eased by 15 cents/kg (5p/lb) on the back of poor demand and strong competition driving down prices in the UK and France.

Factory prices for the week opened at 388 to 386 cents/kg (138p to 137p/lb), The usual bonus of 6 cents/kg applies for quality.