Lamb prices gain as much as 20 cents/kg
There is more variation between processors on lamb prices this week than usual, with the base prices on offer ranging 440-460 cents/kg, before the bonus payments applicable for quality are added.
Competition for lambs is helping sheep farmers who are willing to shop around to get the best prices from processors who are under pressure to get sufficient supply.
At the mart sales on Monday, there was generally a livelier trade, with some price gains.
There was a small entry of 250 head at Corrin Mart on Monday, where the trade was described as good.
Butchers paid €44 over to €56 over, and factory lambs sold for up to €52 over.
At Kilkenny Mart on Monday, the trade was livelier than the previous week for the entry of 600 head. Butchers paid up to €58 over for lambs, and factory agents paid up to €50 over.
In Britain, the trade over the past week has been reported as steady, with lambs making the equivalent of around 457 cents/kg.
In France, the trade remained slow on the back of reduced demand. Wholesale prices declined in particular for vacuum-packed shoulders, legs and loins. Promotions were centred on shoulders, stewing meat and legs of lamb. Grade 1 Irish lamb was making 467 cents/kg (including VAT) towards the end of the week.
