42,337 sheep came south for processing in August

There is very little change overall in the trade for lambs at factories this week, but some fall-off in attendance of factory buyers is reported at marts.

Meanwhile, the latest trade statistics show 42,337 sheep were exported from Northern Ireland for direct slaughter in the south during August, up nearly 10% from August 2018, reflecting an increased supply in the north and a stronger euro-sterling exchange rate.

Quotes of 450-460 cents/kg are offered, mainly at factories not affected by beef farmer protests. But sheep farmers say up to 475 cents/kg is being paid by processors.

There are some reports of lambs moving longer distances from farms to slaughter than usual, to factories not being picketed.

The trade was steady on Monday at marts. There were 400 head at Corrin Mart where butchers’ lambs sold for up to €56 over, with a top price of €112 for a pen of six weighing 56kgs.

A pen of 12 weighing 54 kg sold for €107, and seven weighing 53 kgs sold for €106.

Factory lots sold for up to €43 over. The top price was €87 paid for 17 lambs weighing 44 kgs, but the more general run was around €35 over.

At Kilkenny Mart on Monday, there were 450 head on offer in an unchanged trade. Butchers lambs’ sold for up to €53 over. The top price was €106 which was paid for a pen of 25 lambs weighing 53 kgs. A pen of 24 weighing 52 kgs sold for €102 and a pen of 12 butchers’ lambs weighing 51 kgs sold for €103.

Factory lambs sold for up to €51 over.

The top price was €100 paid for a pen of ten lambs weighing 49 kgs