Little change in lamb price
Moyvalley Meats is continuing to set the price pattern at an all-in 535 cent/kg (191p/lb) quoted. Other processors range between 525 and 520 cent/kg plus quality bonus.
Supplies are reported tight in all areas. As a result, sheep farmers say they are negotiating 10-15 cent/kg over quoted prices.
At marts on Monday, the lamb trade was unchanged or slightly easier than the previous week.
There were 400 head at Fermoy Mart, where the trade was a shade easier. Butchers paid €115 to €135/head, equivalent to €67 over to €80 over. Factory lots sold for up to €100, or €68 over.
At Kilkenny Mart there was a reduced sale of 560 head. Trade was unchanged. Butchers paid €62 over to €72 over. Factory lots sold for €55 over to €70 over.
The trade in the UK remained steady over the past week, as supplies continued tight. To date this year, supplies in the UK are back 7% compared to last year. By last weekend, live market prices across Great Britain were the equivalent of 549 cent/kg (196p/lb).
The trade in France remained steady over the past week, with Irish grade 1 lamb reportedly making up to 550 cent/kg. Some increase in Spanish lamb supplies into Southern France is expected to have an impact on trading over the coming weeks.
