Any fall in prices last week have been very much reversed, with spring lamb prices rising by €5/head on average. Factory agents are out in force now buying up lamb and trying hard to make up the deficit entering factory gates.
Any fall in prices last week have been very much reversed, with spring lamb prices rising by €5/head on average.
Factory agents are out in force now buying up lamb and trying hard to make up the deficit entering factory gates.
Factory-fit lambs weighing 40kg to 45kg are selling for €110 to €118/head, or €70 to €73 over the weight.
Higher prices of up to €124/head have been paid for lambs in this weight range where buyers were keen and plentiful. These prices represent an increase of €4 to €6/head.
Lambs weighing over 45kg are also meeting a strengthening trade, with prices of €122 to €128/head common.
Just like the factory-fit lambs, some higher prices have also been paid for these butcher-type lots, with some prices exceeding €130/head.
Mart managers are commenting that supplies of lamb are improving, but this has not negatively affected sales.
Numbers of store lambs presented for sale has also increased in the past number of days.
Forward store lambs are in demand, with lambs weighing 37kg to 39kg selling for €85 to €98/head.
Lighter lots weighing 30kg to 36kg are selling for €75 to €84/head, or €45 to €48 over the weight.
Select lots of ewe lambs are also seeing greater demand. Good-quality ewe hoggets suitable for breeding later in the year are selling for €145 to €160/head.
There have also been some improvements in the cull ewe trade on the back of greater demand for lambs.
Prices have increased by €2 to €3/head. Fleshed ewes are selling for €100 to €115/head, with very heavy lots with big frames making up to €130/head.
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