Quality lambs command up to 825c/kg despite ease in demand

Factory lamb prices are holding steady despite signs of quieter demand, while stronger competition for store lambs is supporting hopes of an uplift in trade.

Factory lamb prices are holding steady despite signs of quieter demand, while stronger competition for store lambs is supporting hopes of an uplift in trade.

There are shades of a quieter trade for lambs appearing this week, as many factories remained tight-lipped on quoting forward for lambs.

Suppliers are reporting that the prices being paid are on a par with last week, with lambs making 790c/kg plus the quality bonus at most centres and some suppliers reporting that they are getting 820-825c/kg for quality lambs at the top of the market.

Finishers are hoping that the trade will get a festival boost over the coming weeks, with strong demand for store lambs at the live sales this week adding credence to expectations of an imminent lift in the trade.

As of this week, demand for lambs is reported to be “a bit quieter” at the factories, with less activity for lambs also being reported from live sales at the marts.

There were 670 head on offer at Kilkenny Mart for “a similar trade to last week, with less interest in ram lambs”, but an expectation that the trade “normally gets a boost just before a Muslim festival”.

Store lambs experienced an increase in prices, with more active customers at the ringside.

There was a top price of €220 for a pen of 10 butcher lambs weighing 57kg, while a pen of 14 weighing 54kg sold for €214 and 23 weighing 61kg sold for €212.

Factory-type lambs sold for up to €137 over.

At Corrin Mart on Monday, there was a top call of €220 for a lot of butcher lambs weighing 66kg, while a lot weighing 56kg made €216 and eight weighing 51kg sold for €204.