Lamb price tops €4/kg

FOOT and mouth in Britain has added more than 50 cents/kg to lamb prices over the past week, as demand for supplies increased at factories.

Initial restriction on movements in Britain, and the continuing ban on exports, have had a very positive result for sheep-farmers here, because Britain was one of the largest suppliers to France.

While restrictions on animal movements remained in place last week, supplies in UK supermarkets were also depleting, but resumption of movement eased that situation by the weekend.

Here, base prices soared over 400 cents/kg (143p/lb) last week, having increased by 58 cents/kg (21p/lb) after the foot and mouth outbreak.

Prices opened unchanged this week, but demand weakened Tuesday, and the few quotes available slipped to 390 cents/kg (139p/lb). Prices at marts also slipped this week, with €43 over the best price paid on Monday.

In France, the lamb price has rocketed. Grade 1 Irish lamb has been selling at 550 to 580 cents/kg over the past week, delivered to Paris, while native French lamb is making up to €610 cents, and prices to French farmers have increased by 30 cent to €520 cents/kg.

Stronger prices brought a large entry of 1,200 head to Fermoy Mart Monday. Butchers lambs ranged from €81 to 98 per head, or €28 over to €43 over.

Factory lots made €55 to 72, or €18 to €32 over.

At Kilkenny, there was a record entry of 2,500 head, but prices were well back on expectations.