Strong market demand and tight supplies of finished lamb are driving the trade, according to IFA national sheep chairman, Sean Dennehy.
He made the comment on the back of a further price of 10c/kg this week.
Dennehy said €5.50 to €5.60/kg is available from “all factories at this stage”. Deals for larger lots and producer groups, he added, are pushing past these prices.
Cull ewes are making €2.70 to €2.90/kg
Tight supplies
“The attempts by factories to manage throughput by reducing the number of days killing is a clear indication of how tight supplies are and will be,” he said.
He said there is a strong push in the trade to secure supplies to meet the increase in demand on the lead into Christmas.
Dennehy said this is evident in the competition between factory agents, butchers, and wholesalers in the marts, which is underpinning the factory prices.
The IFA sheep chairman said it is important farmers keep lambs moving as they become fit, to maximise returns from the marketplace.
