Lamb prices hold as finishers await seasonal lift
At current factory prices, the returns on many of these stores will not leave a fortune for their finishers this season, adding to another disappointment for a sector that needs some boost in confidence.
Lambs are continuing to meet a good, steady trade at the factories this week, where prices are unchanged from last week and demand for supplies remains positive.
Factory-quoted prices range from 785-800c/kg, plus the quality bonus worth 15-20c/kg, with regular suppliers reporting they are getting up to 825c/kg for good-quality lambs, while processors remain anxious for supplies.
The firm trade remains a positive, but feeders finishing the bought-in stores, which were a good trade in the marts during September and October, for the late-autumn and pre-Christmas market had hoped for a lift in factory prices before November.
At current factory prices, the returns on many of these stores will not leave a fortune for their finishers this season, adding to another disappointment for a sector that needs some boost in confidence.
There were more factory customers for lambs at the live sales at the marts this week, where both butcher lambs and factory lots met a steady trade, with up to €216/head being paid for the better-quality lots.
There were 750 head on offer at Kilkenny on Monday, where the top price of €215 was paid for a pen of 12 butcher lambs weighing 55kg.
Another lot of seven weighing 57kg also sold for €215, while 11 weighing 54kg made €207 and 10 weighing 53kg sold for €205. Factory-type lots sold for up to €133 over.
Lambs met a strong trade at Corrin Mart on Monday, where a pen of eight butcher lambs weighing 57kg sold for €216, and 10 weighing 54kg made €204, while 11 weighing 50kg sold for €196.
