IFA National Sheep Chairman, Sean Dennehy, has advised farmers to sell lambs as soon as they are fit in order to get the maximum value for them.
Dennehy reported that factories have increased maximum carcase weights for spring lambs to 20.5kg this week, with some doing deals at 21kg. He reported that prices are currently holding between €6.10 and €6.30/kg.
Quality is important on hoggets, according to the IFA representative, with good quality stock making up to €5.70/kg, although hogget numbers are drying up fast.
Spring lamb
“Spring lamb numbers are rising, but there is no big flush as grass supplies are tight in places and the weather is still cold. February born lambs are beginning to emerge at this stage.”
Dennehy concluded by advising that farmers “keep a close eye on weights to avoid any unnecessary cuts or free lamb to the factories.”
