Upward trend in factory and mart prices for lamb continues
Quoted prices are stronger by 5 to 10 cent/kg, continuing the trend of the past two weeks. There is very little difference between prices quoted at each factory for this week. Moyvalley Meats continues to offer an all-in 455 cent/kg (162p/lb), which may be slightly more attractive for some suppliers, depending on the quality of their lambs, than the 450 cent/kg plus bonus for quality which is being offered by all of the other processors. Supplies remain tight.
The trade in the marts is also stronger, with improvements of up to €5/head reported from last Monday’s sales.
There were 500 head on offer at Fermoy, where the trade was reported to be strong. Butchers paid €98 to €117/head, equivalent to €55 over to €64 over. The factory lambs sold for up to €98/head, or €55 over.
At Kilkenny Mart on Monday, there was a smaller sale than the previous week, with an excellent trade for an entry of 900 head, with prices improved by up to €5/head. Butchers paid €58 over to €65 over, and the factory lambs sold for €52 over to €60 over.
The trade in Britain recovered significantly over the past week, as supplies weakened, and the French market improved. By last weekend, lamb prices were unchanged at the equivalent of 448 cent/kg (160p/lb).
In France, limited volumes of Irish grade 1 lamb were reportedly making up to 450 cent/kg (161p/lb) by the weekend.
