Prices hold firm, but uncertainty ahead
There is, however, some variation between the prices quoted at the different factories. Moyvalley Meats, Co Kildare remained slightly ahead of the rest at an all-in price of 470 cents/kg (168p/lb).
The Kepak factories are offering 460 cents/kg plus the usual quality bonus payment, and the remainder are on 450 cents/kg plus bonus.
These were the prices operating for the earlier days of the week, but they have come from the processors with a health warning this week of being subject to change as the week progresses.
The processors are playing safe by warning producers that the end of Ramadan celebrations in France and an increase in the supply of British lamb on to the continental markets could have an effect on returns before the end of this week. Earlier indications from the French market remain positive, but it remains to be seen what will happen later in the week.
In the mart on Monday some prices were back up to €5/head at the larger sales in particular, while at the smaller sales the trade held firmer.
The trade in the UK, slipped back over the past week on the back of the stronger supplies emerging onto the market, combined with some unfavourable exchange movement. By the weekend live market prices stood at the equivalent of 440/kg.
In France, the trade remained relatively steady as demand increased following the closure of the Ramadan festival despite larger volumes of UK product appearing on the market. Prices for Irish grade 1 Spring lamb were reported to be making from around €4.70-4.80/kg by the end of the week.
There was 400 head on offer at Fermoy Mart on Monday where the butchers lambs sold for €52 over to €62 over and factory lots sold for up to €51 over. There was a very large sale of 1,810 head at Kilkenny on Monday, where all prices were back by €2-€5/head. Butchers lambs ranged €48 over to €60 over and the factory lambs made €43 over to €50 over.
