Up to €177 paid for lambs in strong mart trade

THERE has been a welcome improvement in the factory lamb trade, with prices turning around over the past few days.

Factory prices in general are up around 10c/kg (4p/lb), which has restored life to the trade after a disappointing April. Processors are quoting a base of 470 cent per kg (168p/lb), with the usual 6 cent bonus to be paid for quality lots.

Most of the plants were anxious to get lambs on Tuesday, as slaughtering resumed after the holiday week-end, and replenishment of stocks was on the agenda.