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HomeFarming NewsSheep trade: Lambs hit 565p/kg mark
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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Sheep trade: Lambs hit 565p/kg mark

November 2021 NI lamb prices

According to the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC), factories across Northern Ireland increased lamb prices again this week.

In its weekly market report, it outlined that processors paid between 555-565p/kg for R3 grade lambs up to 22kg this week.

November 2021 NI lamb prices

In a statement, a spokesperson for the LMC said:

“The NI average deadweight lamb price last week was 517.4p/kg, up 20.4p/kg from the previous week.”

“In the same week in 2020, the NI deadweight lamb price was 428.6p/kg. The deadweight lamb price in ROI was up 19.6p/kg to 556.6p/kg.”

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Last week, the throughput of lambs in the local plants increased by 320 head from the previous week to 9,270 head.

However, this is back 498 head compared to the same week last year. Meanwhile, a further 8,137 lambs were exported to ROI for direct slaughter last week. This was up 750 head from the previous week.

Lamb prices in ROI

According to IFA sheep committee chairman, Sean Dennehy, factories have pushed lamb prices up 40c/kg in the last week.

He reported that at this stage, plants are offering €7.40/kg, with deals on weights to 22.5/kgs and, in some cases, 23kgs. Furthermore, Dennehy said factories are also offering transport to secure some lambs.

Dennehy said higher deals are available for groups and larger lots. “The trade will continue to strengthen as supplies fall well short of market demand.”

He added that some plants are offering bonuses of 20c/kg for light lambs up to 15/kgs, “in an attempt to increase the throughput of lambs”.

“It’s a situation that is replicated in NI and GB with supplies well below last year’s levels and prices increasing strongly over the past week.”

“French lamb prices are also increasing. Industry experts expect this trend to continue as volumes of New Zealand lamb are not available in the marketplace due to supply and shipping issues,” he added.

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