Lamb prices are rising as factories struggle to get supplies to meet strong demand.
That is according to IFA national sheep chairman, Sean Dennehy, who said prices of €5.60/kg have been paid and farmers are holding out for more.
“Factories and agents would bite the hand off you to get lambs this week.”
“The facts are factories cannot get lambs at their low quoted prices and are having to pay a lot more, up to 30c to 40c/kg in places.”
Dennehy said lambs are very scarce in some factory lairages this week. “Weekly disposals have been high, and a lot of lambs have moved.”
Nationally, he added, the kill is up 63,911 and the spring lamb kill is 45,182 ahead of last year.
Strong store trade
The IFA national sheep chairman said store trade is also strong at the marts. “The store trade is also strong with quality lambs in the 35kgs weight range making the mid €80s.”
UK
UK prices also strong with the AHBD reporting mart price up in the last two weeks. “On June 30th, mart prices averaged £2.28/kg live weight, equivalent to €5.65/kg.”
“The big Muslim festival of Eid Al Adha begins on July 30th and buyers are already trying to put down stock – especially in the UK”.
