Lift for lamb expected as Easter approaches

There has been a big drop over recent years in the number of sheep farmers lambing for the Easter market, which had repeatedly failed to deliver adequate return for the investment necessary.

The general tone of the trade has made producers more optimistic for the weeks ahead and an early Easter in 2024.

The prices are moving in a positive direction for producers as demand exceeds the available supply, and the pressure is mounting on the processors to maintain the intake at the required level.

The price table shows an increase of around 10c/kg for the lambs, which has placed the quoted factory prices in a range of 655-570c/kg plus the usual quality bonus payment.