IFA says processors paying up to €3.85 per kg for lambs
At a number of plants, prices increased to 365 cents/kg (130p/lb) plus the usual bonus payments, while the remainder have maintained their quotes at last week’s level of 360 cents/kg (128p/lb).
In the marts, the trade is reported to be holding strong, with butchers lambs selling for up to €38 over this week, and factory lots ranging up to €26 over.
There was 900 head on offer at Corrin Mart (Fermoy) on Monday, where butchers paid €74 per head to €91 per head, equivalent to €24 over to €38 over.
Factory lots sold for €47 to €72 per head, or €17 over to €26 over.
IFA national sheep committee chairman Henry Burns said demand remains strong for lambs, with processors paying up to €3.85 per kg. “Tight supplies and strong market demand for Ramadan are driving the trade.” He said processors have to pay 15c to 20c per kg over quoted prices of €3.60/kg to €3.70/kg to get lambs, and they are paying to weights of 23kgs.
He said factory prices in Britain have moved up to £3.28 per kg, equivalent to €4.
Bord Bia report prices for Grade 1 Irish lamb in France at the equivalent of €4.40 per kg this week. Market demand was boosted by weakening supply from Britain.
