Up to 10 cent off lamb prices
While farmers are adamant that there is no justification for any downward price adjustment in a market of tight supply and strong demand, some processors have dared to cut the quotes for this week.
About half quoted prices back by 5 to 10 cent/kg from last week, while the remainder were unchanged.
The quotes range from an all-in 530 cent/kg (189p/lb) to 510 cent plus bonus for quality.
There was an improved trade at some of the live sales Monday, with butchers paying up to €89 over for some of the hoggets. There was a small sale of 300 head at Fermoy on Monday for an improved trade. Butchers paid €112 to €139/head, equivalent to €62 over to €89 over. Factory lots made up to €114, or €70 over.
Numbers on offer were also lower at Kilkenny Mart on Monday, with an entry of 530 head. Butchers’ hoggets sold for up to €128, and ranged from €60 over to €80 over. Factory lots made up to €120, or €62 over to €72 over. There was good demand for stores at €40 over to €62 over.
The UK trade eased a shade last week, despite on-going tight supply. By last weekend, lamb prices were at the equivalent of 530 cent/kg (189p/lb).
In France, the trade remained solid, with limited numbers of Irish grade 1 lamb making up to 558 cent/kg.
