Factories remain on the same base quote as last week. Kepak Athleague and Kildare Chilling are quoting a base price of €4.70/kg, with Moyvalley and Ballon Meats offering an all-in quote of €4.70/kg. ICM continues to quote a base of €4.50/kg, while Dawn Ballyhaunis is not quoting.
Farmers selling lambs individually are finding it hard to negotiate above €4.75/kg to €4.80/kg. Those selling through producer groups are securing 5c/kg to 10c/kg higher than this by means of producer bonuses or allowances on transport.
Last week’s sheep kill reduced by 6,267 head to 66,622. This includes a massive kill of ewes and rams of 13,753 head. Reports show lamb throughput has fallen off more in recent days, with many farmers opting to let lambs run into heavier weights in an attempt to optimise returns.
Tighter supplies have also been evident in the purchasing activity of factory agents in marts in recent days. Agents in some sales have been much more active and are paying prices well above that quoted when associated costs are taken into account.
Factories are also trying to entice sales with the offer of a half kilo extra in carcase weight. It appears that the 22kg limit is only being utilised in a small number of cases, with the kill-out percentage of lambs higher than the low levels experienced in August, but still running behind target.
The greatest challenge for factory throughput may come next week with the ploughing championships potentially interfering with normal throughput.
IFA national sheep chair John Lynskey said: “Lamb supplies at the factories are much tighter this week and will tighten further next week with the Ploughing. Farmers should insist on well above the quoted prices. In general, a price of €4.80/kg to €4.90/kg is being paid, with top prices of €5.00/kg.”
The number of lambs imported south for direct slaughter increased last week by 1,269 head to 9,677.
Northern Ireland
Quotes in Northern Ireland plants have steadied at £3.80/kg to £3.90/kg. Sterling continues to slowly strengthen to the euro.
At Wednesday’s exchange rate of 90.2p to the euro, this price range equates to €4.44/kg to €4.56/kg including VAT at 5.4%.
British prices have steadied after easing back in recent weeks and range from £4.10/kg to £4.20/kg (€4.79/kg to €4.90/kg incl VAT).
Ewe trade
The ewe trade also remains under pressure with higher numbers still in the market, with quotes reducing to €2.40/kg, with the exception of Ballon Meats who are quoting €2.60/kg.
Prices range from €2.50/kg to €2.55/kg, with frequent sellers and those handling light ewes securing 5c/kg to 10c/kg higher.
Beef trade continues to edge down