Lamb producers enjoy surprise boost as factories chase supplies
It has been a positive week for both factory suppliers and those selling live through the marts, where the improvement was also reflected.
Lamb producers are enjoying a welcome boost this week as prices increase by around 20c/kg in an unexpected turn for the trade at this time of year.
It has been a positive week for both factory suppliers and those selling live through the marts, where the improvement was also reflected.
Processors have restored recent price cuts, with spring lambs now quoted at a base of 950c/kg, plus a 10-20c/kg QA bonus.
Factories are reported to be "very anxious" for supplies this week, taking many sheep farmers by surprise as this is not the usual trend following the end of Muslim religious festival celebrations.
The improvement has been widely welcomed, and suppliers will be hoping it can be maintained.
There remains demand for hoggets to help meet processor requirements, which is also a welcome development. However, hoggets are expected to phase out over the coming weeks as supplies of new-season lamb continue to increase.
Reporting from Monday's sale at Kilkenny Mart, auctioneer George Candler said: "On Saturday, Aidan O'Brien's Christmas Day won the Epsom Derby and today in Kilkenny any farmer selling lambs must have thought Christmas had arrived for them."
The 350 lots on offer, mostly spring lambs, met a super trade, helped by factory agents and wholesalers who were very anxious to secure lambs and ewes.
"The reason for the excellent prices is supply not matching demand, which is why we see, for once, the sheep producer getting well rewarded for his or her product," added George.
A top price of €254 was paid for a pen of 10 butcher-type spring lambs weighing 54kg. A lot of seven weighing 50kg sold for €248, while a pen of 12 weighing 53kg also sold for €248. Factory lots made up to €184 over.
There was also a strong trade and full clearance at Corrin Mart on Monday, where €248 was realised for a pen of butcher-type spring lambs weighing 58kg, while another pen weighing 53kg sold for €236.
