Home Farming News Great demand for lambs as supplies tighten

Great demand for lambs as supplies tighten

Slaughter figures from the Department of Agriculture have shown that the number of spring lambs slaughtered has risen slightly from previous years.

The number of spring lambs finished was 4,774 higher than in 2019.

Last week’s throughput:

  • Lambs/hoggets: 3,919;
  • Spring lambs: 46,370;
  • Ewes and rams: 7,522;
  • Light lambs: 0;
  • Total: 57,811.

Cumulative (excludes this week’s throughput):

  • Lambs/hoggets: 778,341;
  • Spring lambs: 168,889;
  • Ewes and rams: 133,097;
  • Light lambs: 28;
  • Total: 1,080,355.

Corresponding week last year:

  • Lambs/hoggets: 12,605;
  • Spring lambs: 41,596;
  • Ewes and rams: 8,409;
  • Light lambs: 0;
  • Total: 62,610.

Last year’s throughput:

  • Lambs/hoggets: 735,133;
  • Spring lambs: 149,133;
  • Ewes and rams: 155,095;
  • Light lambs: 10;
  • Total: 1,039,371.

Prices:

Recent reports suggest that lambs have been in great demand as supplies are tight, with some paying 20-35c/kg over quotes.

Prices are averaging €5.90-€6.10/kg with a top price reported of €6.15/kg. Meanwhile, ewes earned €2.70/kg on average.