Lamb prices deliver seasonal boost
The quoted prices have increased by 5-15 cents/kg strong with demand for direct deals between factory agents and producers delivering a further bonus. Some producers reported 500 cents/kg being achieved.
Moyvalley Meats, Co Kildare, maintained their position at the top this week with an all-in price of 485 cents/kg being quoted. The rest of the processors are quoting 470-480 cents/kg, plus quality bonus.
Processors are paying over the quoted prices to get lambs, with the demand outstripping supply in all regions.
Prices being delivered is down to the pressure on the factory to get the lambs and the bargaining ability of the producers, most of whom are now doing hard dealing.
The trade in the marts was also improved on Monday with the butchers paying up to €68 over for the lambs.
The trade in Britain strengthened further over the past week on the back of some tightening in domestic supplies, combined with the on-going strengthening in the pound against the euro.
By last weekend, prices were unchanged at the equivalent of 498 cents/kg (178p/lb).
In France, prices for limited volumes of Irish grade 1 lamb were reportedly still making up to 510 cents/kg by the end of the week, largely on the back of the tighter Britiah lamb supplies.
There was 400 head on offer at Fermoy mart on Monday for an excellent trade at improved prices. Butchers paid up to €121/head or €68 over and the factory lots sold for up to €102/head or €57 over.
There was 810 head on offer at Kilkenny Mart on Monday. Butchers lambs sold for €55 over to €64 over and the factory lambs ranged €48 over to €55 over.
