An update on hogget and spring lamb prices April 2021:
Demand for hoggets, lambs and cull ewes is stronger again this week, according to IFA national sheep chairman, Sean Dennehy.
He said the combination of the start of Ramadan next Monday and supermarket demand is driving the trade.
Spring lamb prices April 2021
Dennehy reported that hoggets are “freely making” €7.70/kg, with higher deals available for larger lots.
According to the IFA representative, spring lamb is making €8.20/kg, with deals available for groups and larger lots. He said the cull ewe trade is strong, with factories paying prices of €3.50/kg.
Sell hard in a strong market
Dennehy highlighted the mart trade is providing a real competitive alternative, where prices are comparable, or in some instances, above what factories are offering.
He noted that fleshed cull ewes are a “particularly strong trade”.
The IFA sheep chairman said farmers should sell hard in a strong market, while moving hoggets and lambs as they become fit to maximise returns.
Beef prices
According to IFA national livestock chairman, Brendan Golden, beef prices continue to edge upwards but are not closing the 11c/kg Prime Export Benchmark price gap.
He reported that factories are paying €3.90/kg for steers and €4.00/kg for heifers this, with “higher deals for larger and specialist lots”.
Meanwhile, he noted cows are making from €3.20/kg for P grades with up to €3.70/kg at the top-end for good quality R and U grading cows.
He said the key driver in the marketplace at the moment is the UK as EU R3 Young Bull prices lag behind Ireland’s current price by 9c/kg.
UK’s food-service sector
He commented that the phased re-opening of the UK’s food service sector will increase demand for Irish beef and must translate into higher beef prices.
“The food service sector in the UK is scheduled for full re-opening in May. This will increase demand for beef in the coming weeks and must return meaningful beef price increases,” he added.
