Sheep trade: Another 5p/kg rise on the cards next week

Update on NI lamb prices November 2021

According to the Livestock and Meat Commission, just like beef quotes, plants across Northern Ireland increased lamb prices this week (November 2021).

In its weekly market outlook, the LMC reported that quotes “strengthened as the week progressed”.

NI lamb prices November 2021

As a result, they ranged from 515-520p/kg up to 22kg, while the commission expects factories to move quotes up a further 5p/kg next week.

It reported that quotes are expected to range from 520-525p/kg next week.

“The average lamb price in NI last week was 497.0p/kg, up almost 10p/kg from the previous week.”

8,950 lambs were processed in local plants last week, up 411 head from the previous week.

However, this was a noticeable decrease of 1,270 lambs compared to the corresponding week last week.

Lambs exported to ROI last week for direct slaughter fell by 180 head to 7,387 lambs.

In the same week last year, 5,472 lambs were exported to ROI for direct slaughter.

Previous week

According to the Livestock and Meat Commission, quotes for R3 grade lambs continued to “remain firm” last week.

In its weekly outlook, it reported that plants paid 500-510p/kg up to 22kg.

“The deadweight lamb price in NI last week increased by 5.3p/kg to 487.7p/kg.”

“In the corresponding week last year, the average deadweight lamb price in NI was 429.3p/kg.”

“Meanwhile, the ROI lamb price was up 6.8p/kg to 531.3p/kg,” the LMC added.

Beef prices

Factories across Northern Ireland reversed some beef price cuts this week, increasing heifer and young bull prices.

According to the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC), beef prices “strengthened” across most categories.

In its weekly market outlook report, it outlined that local plants paid between 386-394p/kg for in-spec U-3 grade prime cattle this week.

Meanwhile, base quotes for O+3 grade cows continued to range from 260- 300p/kg, with most quoting 290-300p/kg.

• According to the LMC, the average NI steer price last week fell marginally 0.4p/kg to 391.8p/kg, while the R3 steer price was up 0.7p/kg to 401.5p/kg. In the same week in 2020, the R3 steer price was 369.6p/kg, 31.9p/kg behind current levels.
• Last week, the average NI heifer price increased by 0.3p/kg to 395.4p/kg, while the R3 heifer price reported a decrease of 1.7p/kg to 401.5p/kg;
• Meanwhile, the average young bull price increased by 3.6p/kg to 378.2p/kg, while the R3 young bull price was up 1.7p/kg to 390.6p/kg. In the same week last year, the R3 young bull price was 357p/kg, 33.6p/kg behind current levels;
• The NI cow trade “came under pressure” last week with prices back across all grades. The average cow price was back 3.9p/kg to 275.0p/kg with the O3 cow price back 3.9p/kg to 306.2p/kg.

See the full update.