Reduced quotes for lambs dampen supplier optimism

It is rare for trade patterns to repeat in consecutive years, and the 2025 year-end for lamb producers has failed to match the boost suppliers enjoyed during the 2024 end-of-year bounce.

Lamb prices have come under pressure at some factories this week, with quotes reduced by 5c/kg, ending a sustained period of steady trade.

While 760c/kg plus the quality bonus continues to be offered at most processing centres, the reduced quote of 755c/kg plus quality assurance bonus at some factories has disappointed suppliers.

The quality bonus remains unchanged, ranging 10-20c/kg for qualifying lambs, depending on individual factory quality assurance bonus policies.

A positive is that processors continue to hold the carcass cut-off weight at 22.5kg, providing some cushion under the returns to suppliers despite pressure on the base price.

Suppliers report that "there is no real bite in the trade" at the factories this week. While factories pay up to 790c/kg to regular suppliers and those with larger numbers, they appear satisfied with the level of intake.

It is rare for trade patterns to repeat in consecutive years, and the 2025 year-end for lamb producers has failed to match the boost suppliers enjoyed during the 2024 end-of-year bounce.

Trade at live sales at the marts in the early days of this week was largely unchanged, with demand from butchers and wholesalers compensating for the absence of export buyers to Northern Ireland, attributed to the fallout from the bluetongue outbreak.