€5/kg target for sellers of good quality hoggets
Quoted prices remain similar to last week across the board. Moyvalley Meats offer an all-in 480 cents/kg (171p/lb), all other processors are on 470 cents/kg (167p/lb) plus a bonus for quality.
However, with supplies tight, most processors have to work a little harder to get sufficient intake, handing the advantage to farmers in negotiating above the quoted prices.
It is reported that some sellers with good quality animals are aiming for 500 cents/kg.
Small entries of hoggets and steady trading were reported in the marts Monday.
There was a very small sale of 300 head at Fermoy, for which there was a steady trade. Butchers hoggets sold for €102 to €122/head, equivalent to €54 over to €65 over. Factory lots sold for up to €105/head, or €61 over.
The entry at Kilkenny Mart on Monday was also small, at 800 head, the trade was similar to the previous week. Butchers paid €60 over to €65 over, and factory lots made €52 over to €66 over.
The trade has strengthened in Britain for hoggets, reflecting lower supplies and some strengthening in sterling. By last weekend, the prices were the equivalent of 495 cents/kg (176p/lb) including VAT.
In France, domestic supplies of Lacaune lamb continued to strengthen over the past week, competing with imported product. Volumes of Irish lamb on the market remained small, with Grade 1 lamb delivered to Paris reported to be making 485 to 490 cents/kg (173p to 175p/lb).
