Tighter supply trend has lifted prices all round

THERE is optimism among sheep farmers that the worst may be over for the present, with price improvement turning the tide in their favour.

After three weeks of sharp price declines, there has been wide welcome for a general increase of 10 cents/kg in factory quotes for this week, bringing the base price to 430 cents/kg (153p/lb), plus the usual bonus of 6 cents/kg (2p/lb) for quality lambs.

There is some variation, with Kildare doing a shade better at a quote of 434 cents/kg plus bonus, and Moyvalley Meats in Co Kildare a shade weaker, offering an all-in price of 430 cents/kg.