Sheep prices May 2021
The IFA is urging sheep farmers to ignore lower quotes as markets remain strong.
According to its national sheep chairman, Sean Dennehy, demand for lamb is outweighing supplies and plants are paying “well above” quoted prices to secure numbers.
“The practice of quoting prices that in no way reflect the market is angering farmers and undermining producer groups who have made commitments to factories,” he said.
Sheep prices May 2021
Dennehy said there is an urgent need for greater transparency through accurate up-to-date factory price reporting.
“Despite lower quotes, €8.00/kg is freely available throughout the country to 21kgs. Higher deals are available on price, up to €8.30/kg, and on weight to 21.5/kgs.”
“Some factories are also offering transport to closeout deals. Hoggets are generally moving for €7.50/kg, with cull ewes from €3.30 to €3.55/kg.”
He said factory agents and wholesalers are very active in the marts and providing a real competitive alternative, particularly to the lower factory quoted prices.
Dennehy advises farmers to sell hard while moving lambs as they become fit to maximise returns.
Fuel price survey
Meanwhile, in other IFA-related news, the farm group has revealed that fuel prices have increased by over 30% compared to this time last year.
The group published a survey with the findings on Monday, May 17th, 2021. On the back of this, it is reminding members of the public that it pays to shop around for fuel.
The spot price for a barrel of crude oil collapsed to $20 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year. However, it has steadily returned to pre-pandemic price levels this month ($65-$70).
According to IFA farm business chair, Rose Mary McDonagh, increases in fuel prices reflects the latest CSO figures on agricultural input prices which demonstrated that farmers are “caught in a classic cost-price squeeze”.
“The rise in input prices without a corresponding increase in output prices means that the difference is coming out of farmers’ pockets, and impacting on their bottom line.”
Price of diesel, green diesel and kerosene
The farm group completed a national survey on the price of white diesel, green diesel and kerosene.
The average prices quoted (including VAT) were as follows:
- White diesel – €1.31/litre;
- Green diesel – €0.69/litre;
- Kerosene – €0.65/litre.
According to its findings, there were variations of over €0.09/litre (incl. VAT) between the counties surveyed.
The farm group revealed that on 1,000 litres of green diesel (incl. VAT), the saving could be as high as €98.
