Lamb prices continue to rise, with most factories paying €6.00/kg to 23kgs carcase weight to secure supplies, according to IFA national sheep chairman, Sean Dennehy.
He said supplies are very tight with the adverse weather and some plants have paid up to €6.10/kg for lambs. Quotes for cull ewes have also increased to €3.10/kg with €3.20/€3.25/kg paid in some plants.
Dennehy stressed farmers should reject any factory quotes that are lower than €6.00/kg and insist on the higher prices which are “widely available”.
UK prices
The UK price has also increased very strongly with AHDB reporting a price increase of 26p/kg for week ending February 15th.
The UK price hit £5.23/kg, which is equivalent to €6.48/kg (incl. VAT).
“The mart trade is also very strong especially for farmers, with heavier fit lambs suitable for the butcher or wholesale trade. Prices of €145/€150 per head have been paid.”
The IFA official highlighted that it is important that farmers select their lambs carefully for sale at this time. “Move lambs as they become fit. Know the specifications, especially weight and avoid giving the factories any free meat and use the mart as a real option,” he concluded.
