Lamb prices approaching levels rarely seen in November
Prices edging closer to 500 cent/kg in deals negotiated by some farmers this week are rarely seen within six weeks of Christmas.
The official quotes at factories for the week are a shade tamer, with a top price of 485 cent/kg all-in price on offer at Moyvalley Meats in Co Kildare leading the field. The others all offer 470 cent/kg plus bonus for quality, but the reports from the trade indicate that processors are finding it very hard to buy at the quoted prices, and in general, the good quality lambs are making 490 to 495 cent/kg, and in some cases, the €5/kg is being realised for good quality lambs. The trade in the marts on Monday was also a shade sharper than the previous week, with up to €66 over being paid. There was a small sale of 400 head at Fermoy Mart on Monday, for a strong trade. Butchers paid €98 to €119/head, or €50 over to €66 over. The factory lambs sold for up to €107/head, or €58 over.
However, in Britain, the trade weakened slightly over the past week. The downturn was of a temporary nature, and by the weekend, prices were unchanged at the equivalent of 443 cent/kg (158p/lb). In France, limited volumes of Irish grade 1 lamb were reported to be making up to 480 cent/kg by the end of the week, as demand continued to strengthen.
