Peak season for sheep farmers

IT is another very positive week for sheep farmers, with further price improvements at the factories.

Prices for all categories are stronger, and demand has reached its customary seasonal peak, except that in 2011, it is coming on top of an already positive year to date for farmers.

There is an increase in the supply of new season lambs on the market this week. Moyvalley Meats (Kildare) continue to lead the field by quoting an all-in 650 cents/kg (232 p/lb) for spring lambs. Dawn and ICM factories are quoting 640 cents/kg plus bonus, with Kildare Chilling at a base of 639 cents/kg plus bonuses. The Kepak factories are offering a base of 630 cent plus bonus for quality.