October 2021 lamb prices
Factories across Northern Ireland moved lamb prices up a gear once again this week.
The LMC, in its weekly market report, outlined that plants paid in the region of 505p/kg up to 21kg. It expects similar quotes early next week.
October 2021 lamb prices
In a statement, a spokesperson for the LMC said:
“The deadweight lamb price in NI last week was up 2.3p/kg to the equivalent of 482.4p/kg. The deadweight lamb price in ROI was up 2.6p/kg to the equivalent of 524.5p/kg,” it added.
Lamb throughput in NI plants last week amounted to 7,459, down 1,259 head from the previous week. Exports of lambs to ROI for direct slaughter last week increased to 7,844, up 308 head compared to the previous week.
In the same week last year, 7,012 lambs were exported to ROI for direct slaughter.
See more sheep price updates.
Up to €6.60/kg for lambs
According to Sean Dennehy, lamb prices continue to strengthen this week.
The IFA sheep chairman reported that factories are offering up to €6.60/kg for larger lots.
He said plants are paying €6.50 to €6.55/kg, with “some starting to talk” about additional weight allowances to 23kgs in the coming weeks.
He added that cull ewes are making €3.00 to €3.30/kg in general, with some pushing to €3.50/kg.
Dennehy highlighted that lamb prices in the UK and France have also risen. In turn, he pointed out that this creates the opportunity for further strengthening of the trade here.
“Strong demand from store finishers is providing good competition to factory agents in the marts. It means farmers are under no pressure to sell lighter or under finished lambs to the factories.”
“Orderly marketing of lambs as they become fit is vital for farmers to maintain control of the trade and maximise factory prices. There will be no glut of lambs coming into the system.”
He advises farmers to “sell hard” in a “positive and strengthening” market environment.
