Freeze boosts butchers lambs to €120

THE lamb trade is set to conclude the year on a high, with factory prices peaking in the run-up to Christmas.

Demand remained very strong for lambs at factories across the country this week, and the return of difficult road conditions has reduced supplies to processors in some regions.

Last week’s prices are fully maintained, with farmers getting 470 to 480 cents/kg (167p to 171p/lb) in general, and negotiating for up to 490 cents/kg at factories where supplies are very tight and demand strong.