Lamb returns up as supply tightens
Prices have improved by up to 10 cents/kg at the factories and there is also a stronger mart trade for the lambs.
There is a top price of 520 cents/kg (186p/lb), plus quality bonus being offered in the factory quotes for the week. The remainder of the factories are quoting prices ranging from an all-in 520 cents/kg to 510 cents/kg, plus the quality bonus.
There was also a much sharper trade for the lambs at the marts on Monday: up to €83 over was paid by the butchers for good lambs.
Supplies of lambs to factories are reported to be tight, with processors under pressure to meet supply requirements, resulting in the higher returns being offered to producers for the lambs this week.
The trade in the UK firmed slightly over the past week, reflecting some settling down in exchange rates.
This, combined with steady demand on the French market, has helped to maintain this trade. By last weekend, prices across Britain were the equivalent of 543 cents/kg for lambs.
In France, the trade remained steady over the past week, with Irish grade 1 lamb still reportedly making up to 540 cents/kg (193p/lb) for most of the week.
The emergence of the Lacuane lamb has yet to have any impact on trade.
There was 400 head on offer at Fermoy Mart on Monday, where there was an excellent trade. Butchers lambs sold for €113/head to €133/head, which was equivalent to €55 over to €83 over. The factory lambs made up to €123/head.
There was 1,000 head on offer at Kilkenny Mart on Monday for a much sharper trade than the previous week, with prices improved by up to €5/head. Butchers lambs sold for €70 over to €76 over and factory lots ranged €60 over to €72 over.
