ICSA sheep chair, Sean McNamara, has encouraged families to include a serving of spring lamb in their Easter menus this weekend.
He said not only is Irish spring lamb bursting with flavour, but it is also packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. McNamara added it is “nutrient-rich, wholesome food at its very best”.
“We are very lucky to have a plentiful supply of top quality locally produced lamb in this country.”
“Sheep farmers have been working day and night to ensure families right around Ireland can sit down and savour the very best of what Irish farming has to offer over this holiday weekend,” he added.
“It is important to remember that we don’t have to look very far for the finest quality and healthiest options.”
Vegan products
Mr McNamara pointed to recent research from Safefood.net that found that many vegan products contain little or no protein.
“Often what is seen as a healthy option can turn out to be anything but. A lot of these substitute products are heavily processed and contain a lengthy list of spurious ingredients. At least with lamb, you know what you are getting, 100% natural, sustainably produced, world-class fare.”
Put spring lamb top of your shopping list
Throughout the Covid crisis, ICSA members have been displaying bumper stickers on the tractors that read ‘Farmer on Duty – Feeding the Nation’.
“I would encourage anyone who can to show their appreciation for the dedication our Irish producers have shown over the last year – simply by buying local produce.”
“And if you haven’t tried Irish lamb for a while, be sure to make it top of your shopping list this weekend.”
For inspiration, you can find recipes on a vast range of mouth-watering lamb dishes by clicking here.
Spring lamb prices in marts
In related news, spring lambs are reaching “record-breaking” prices in livestock marts across the country.
Livestock auctioneer, George Candler, reported that spring lambs reached €211/head at Kilkenny Mart on Monday, March 29th.
Spring lambs – €4.25/kg-€4.91/kg or €165-€211/head:
- 8 47kgs – €209;
- 15 43kgs – €211;
- 6 42kgs – €198;
- 5 41kgs – €193;
- 8 40kgs – €185;
- 7 39kgs – €175.
Meanwhile, in Raphoe on Monday, spring lambs reached €282/head, according to mart manager, Ann Harkin.
She reported that “spring lambs, in particular, met a brisk online trade with plenty of competition from farmers and butchers for these”.
- 1st prize-winning spring 50kgs were exhibited by Johnny Gibbons and purchased by William Doherty Butchers Clonmany for €282 each;
- 2nd-prize-winning spring Lambs 48kgs were exhibited by Donal Mullaney and purchased by McCarron Butchers, Raphoe for €278 each;
- 3rd-prize-winning spring lambs 48kgs were exhibited by John Gallagher and purchased by McCarron Butchers Raphoe for €240 each.
Other spring lambs sold at:
- €120 to €150 for 33-36kgs;
- €150 to €180 for 37-39kgs;
- €180 to €238 for 40-50kgs.
