Factory lamb prices cut by 10 to 25 cents/kg
As a result of processors reducing prices on offer by 10 to 25 cents/kg, there is less uniformity in quotes.
The range of prices being quoted varies from an all-in 430 cents/kg (153p/lb) at Moyvalley Meats in Co Kildare, down 25 cents/kg from last week, to 435 cents/kg plus the usual bonus — and some of the plants are at 430 cents/kg plus bonus.
The trade has held up well at the marts, where there were large offerings of lambs at the opening sales this week. Up to €60 over was paid for the butchers lambs, and factory lots made up to €52 over.
There was a large sale of 1,200 head at Fermoy on Monday, where the trade was reported to be excellent. Butchers paid €91 to €111 per head, equivalent to €45 over to €60 over. Factory lots sold for €70 to €98 per head, or up to €52 over.
There was a very large sale of 2,000 head at Kilkenny Mart on Monday, where the trade was similar to the previous week. Butchers paid €48 over to €55 over, and factory lambs sold for €38 over to €50 over.
In Britain, there has been an increase in the supply to markets over the past week, which has led to a weaker trade. The average price early last week was 445 c/kg (159p/lb), including VAT, which came under pressure as the week progressed.
In France, quotes for Grade 1 Irish spring lamb delivered to Paris for most of the week were generally at 465 c/kg (166p/lb) including VAT, before easing back slightly by the weekend. Demand is expected to pick up when schools and workplaces return to normal activity after holidays.
