Factory-ready lambs scarce but processors hold the line on price

The number of factory-ready lambs has tightened, putting some pressure on the processors to source sufficient, but all the indications are that price increases are also conceded

Suppliers are reporting that there are a few cents more going and that 800c/kg is generally being paid, with some deals for more being successfully negotiated.

The positive on the lamb trade at the factories is the demand for supplies at the processing plants, but there is no "sweetener" for the suppliers on the price available.

Finishers who were hoping for a lift in prices are disappointed that the market demand has not delivered any benefit on the price, but processors claim that current returns from the markets do not justify paying more for the lambs.