Spring lambs hit 950c/kg as Easter demand builds

Some of the country's processors have added a further 10c/kg to the prices for this week, and the overall trend appears to be very positive following a good recovery of the slip in prices during early to mid-March.

The trade for lambs and hoggets at the factories continues steady or slightly improved this week on the back of supply remaining tight and market demand holding up.

Some of the country's processors have added a further 10c/kg to the prices for this week, and the overall trend appears to be very positive following a good recovery of the slip in prices during early to mid-March.

There are a few more new-season lambs arriving on the market, but the major reliance for meeting factory requirements remains on the hoggets.

Up to 950c/kg plus the quality bonus is on offer for the spring lambs, with the expectation of supply ahead of Easter in 10 days being very tight.

Some of the processing plants are quoting up to 900c/kg plus quality bonus for the hoggets, but most of the factories are on 890c/kg plus quality bonus.

However, there is strong demand for all supplies available, and suppliers are reporting 920-925c/kg is being paid, and some deals of up to 930c/kg are on the cards at factories where the intake is very tight.

The processors are reported to be more exacting on the application of the cut-off weight at 23kg, above which is hard to secure and usually limited to a max of 0.5kg.

The live trade at the marts has continued steadily this week, with small entries on offer at the sales.

There were 360 head at Kilkenny on Monday. A small number of spring lambs sold well, with prices peaking at €222 for 44kg.

The leading price for the butcher's hoggets was €228 paid for a pen of five weighing 62kg. A lot of nine weighing 58kg made €226, while a pen of 24 weighing 55kg made €225 and the factory-type lots sold for up to €154 over.