IFA anger over sheep price cuts

Sheep farmers are angry that the factories moved so hard and so quickly with price cuts of 40c-50c/kg in the past week, said IFA sheep committee chairman John Lynskey.

The IFA spokesman has called on the lamb factories to stop the price cuts and stabilise the lamb market. He said the severe price cuts of the last two weeks are inflicting acute income damage on the sheep sector.

Mr Lynskey has met with his UK and French counterparts in Brussels on the difficulties in the lamb market.

He said: “We will be working closely with both the NFU and the French FNO to try and bring some stability to the lamb price situation. It is critically important that the market is not being undermined with cheap lamb”.

IFA has also been in contact with Ibec group Meat Industry Ireland and is to meet with the lamb factories this week.

Mr Lynskey said that some farmers were resisting the price pressure but needed to move lambs as they become fit.

He said despite lower quotes, some factories were paying €5.00/kg in recent days, with the general run at €4.70 to €4.80/kg.