New year lamb trade continues at €5 per kg

THE lamb trade at the factories started the new year at least on a par with where it finished for 2011, or slightly improved, at a very positive level for sheep farmers.

The opening 2012 prices quoted this week are 490 to 500 cent/kg plus quality bonus, and there is good demand for lambs at the factories, which has strengthened the hand of farmers in negotiating prices, particularly for good quality lambs.

There is very little between several of the factories at the top of the range of quotes. Most of the Kepak and Dawn factories offer 500 cent/kg (178p/lb) plus quality bonus, to which can be added Kildare Chilling when their combined bonus payments are added to their base of 495 cent/kg (176p/lb). For those who prefer the all-in option, Moyvalley Meats, Co Kildare is offering 500 cent/kg.