Little overall change in quoted prices
Some processors moved their quotes up a little, and a minority have eased back slightly.
Overall, prices for this week come within a narrow range. While Kepak at Hacketstown has offered 475 cents/kg (169p/lb) plus bonus, most processors offer 470 cents/kg plus quality bonus. The exception is Moyvalley Meats, Co Kildare, quoting 470 cents/kg all in.
In the marts, lambs made up to €57 over on Monday, although some of the regular sales were switched to Tuesday.
There was a smaller sale of 450 head at Fermoy Mart on Monday. The trade was reported to be broadly in line with the previous week. Butchers paid €94 to €114 per head, equivalent to €46 over to €57 over. Factory lambs sold for up to €103/head, or €56 over. The indications are that processors are anxious for supplies this week.
The Ramadan Islamic month of fasting in August will boost demand for lamb. Some provision to handle the increase in demand was made by processors in last week’s kill, and they are anxious to maintain the intake to ensure they can benefit from any export opportunities. This market situation has enabled farmers negotiate higher prices, and there are reports of 10 to 15 cent/kg over quoted prices being paid for lambs this week.
