Quality lambs secure up to €800c/kg in keen factory demand
Suppliers with a good number of quality lambs to offer are negotiating deals at up to 800c/kg with the factories reported to be anxious to get the supplies.
It is a continuation of the steady trade for the lambs at the factories this week where the demand remains firm at unchanged prices.
The factories are quoting 755–770c/kg plus the quality bonus for the lambs for this week in a continuation of the stable trade over recent weeks. The quality assurance bonus adds 10–20c/kg, depending on the individual factory, which for most of the supply equates to 780c/kg.
However, suppliers with a good number of quality lambs to offer are negotiating deals at up to 800c/kg with the factories reported to be anxious to get the supplies.
Producers expecting to see a lift on the current price are being advised by the processors that the current market returns wouldn't justify paying more presently.
Nevertheless, the demand for stores at the live sales at the marts and the prices being paid over the past month indicate a vein of confidence among the purchasers of improved prices to justify their investment.
Numbers on offer at the sales have slipped back, but demand for all lots on offer continues to deliver high clearances.
There was a small sale of 250 head at Kilkenny on Monday, where the trade was a bit sharper than last week.
Butcher's lambs sold for up to €193, with the leading price going for a lot of 11, weighing 60kg. Ten is the lot weighing 55kg sold for €188, while a lot of 10 weighing 53kg made €185 and the factory-type lambs sold for up to €127 over.
There was also a small entry at Corrin Mart on Monday, where the top price was €185 for a lot of seven butcher's lambs weighing 55kg. A lot of nine weighing 51kg sold for €180, and two weighing 48kg made €177.
