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Although sheep farmers have welcomed the “long overdue” increase in lamb prices, The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) said that more needs to be done to ensure the cost of production is met.
This comment came as farmgate prices for lamb increased by 30p/kg to 390p/kg, and local factories are quoting a carcase weight of 22kg.
UFU beef and lamb chair Sam Chesney said: “It is a step in the right direction to see factories offering a better price for lamb, something which sheep farmers have been waiting on for a long time. The cost of production has continued to rise in NI, while farmgate prices have plummeted in the opposite direction.”
Stability
He described how farmers have been struggling financially and that this increase will give them some stability. He also added that farmers need to push to get better prices so that production costs are covered.
“Our sheep farmers, similar to beef farmers, need to look at all options to increase revenue at this difficult period. They need to champion the great work they’re doing to produce Farm Quality Assured lamb, farmed to some of the highest environmental and animal welfare standards in the world.”
Northern Irish factories are currently quoting £3.65-£3.70p/kg for lambs.
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