Lamb prices September 2021
A farm group has urged farmers to “ignore” low factory quotes for lambs.
That is the key message Sean McNamara, ICSA sheep chairman, issued to farmers this morning (Monday, September 13th).
Lamb prices September 2021
He said: “Factories have been trying to talk down lamb price over the past few days, but farmers need to know that €6.30/kg is readily available this morning.”
“Farmers have no reason to accept any less. Farmers also have the option of the mart. This is the best option for lambs that are a bit heavy.”
Weight limits
“Factories are still imposing a weight limit of 21.5kg. This is surprising given that the weight limit is normally 22kg from the start of September. Lambs above this will do better in marts.”
“Every so often this year, factories have overdone price cuts. But, they have generally had to row back because lambs are scarce, and demand is good. Farmers need to push for more than the basic quotes.”
Imports
McNamara pointed out that the importation of lambs, both live and dead, is a “sure sign that factories cannot keep up with the demand”.
“I want reassurances from the department that all imported product is fully monitored and that none of it is being sold as Irish quality assured lamb.”
“It is vital that we have full transparency and a robust inspection process in place,” he concluded.
British sheepmeat mislabelled as Irish
The Department of Agriculture must release the full information regarding a confirmed case involving mislabelling UK sheepmeat as Irish origin.
That is the view of Sinn Féin, spokesperson on Agriculture Matt Carthy TD, who spoke following the receipt of departmental emails following his FOI request.
He said that the response confirms that the department is aware of one instance this year whereby sheep meat imported from Britain was mislabelled as Irish.
Teachta Carthy said:
“Anecdotal reports earlier this year suggested that imported sheep meat was being incorrectly labelled as Irish.“
“Spring 2021 was notable for Irish sheep farmers as, while usually a time of respectable prices, prices actually slipped by as much as 40-60c/kg, at least partially in response to British imports.”
