Lamb trade: Factory bosses trying hard to rein prices in as market steams

At the sheep fatstock show & sale in Corrin Mart, Fermoy, Co Cork are the reserve champions, a pen of six Charollais lambs - average weight 59 kilos - that sold for €225 each. They are pictured with judge Denis Fitzgerald, Fermoy, purchaser Eddie Farrell, Midleton, owner Michael Barry, Leamlara, Co Cork & Michael Ryan, mart committee. Photo: O'Gorman Photography
There isn't a sign of a cloud in the sky over the lamb trade at the factories as the price continues to be driven by demand exceeding the supply.
Most of the factories have maintained their silence on official quotes for the lambs. Suffice to say that the price is continuing at least as strong as over recent weeks and the processors remain under pressure to source sufficient intake to meet market demand.