10th November 2001
News
10th November 2001
News |
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Panic in NI lamb marketing
By James Campbell News this week that the export of sheepmeat is to recommence from parts of Scotland, England and Wales sent lamb producers into a spin as most factories ceased quoting for lambs on Wednesday. The market, which had soared during the past three weeks and reached more than £3 per kg deadweight was suddenly in disarray. At Ballyclare Mart on Wednesday there were large numbers of sheep on offer and prices were well down. Factories contacted by the Journal were unwilling to quote prices except to say that lambs already bought earlier in the week were making around 300 p/kg plus bonuses. Foyle Meats was prepared to break the mould later on Wednesday by quoting 265 p/kg for Thursday's kill. This appeared to be prompting farmers to hold back in many cases. Other factories were proceeding to book lambs for killing but with the price to be determined later. According to the buyers, much will depend on the date by which the lamb exports from Britain actually get underway. The earliest likely date is 15 November but if delayed by a week or two then a major rebound upwards can be expected in lamb prices in Ireland. The Ramadan festival beginning next week means that there will be a strong demand for sheepmeat in France. Other factors which could have a bearing are French farmer opposition to British lamb imports and strikes currently occurring at French ports. After the initial uncertainty there still seems to be reasonable hope of a firm trade for lamb even with supplies becoming available from Britain. Initially numbers will be restricted and there will be many factories unable to participate in exporting. Future prices will also depend how long it is before other counties in Britain are cleared to export. Scottish lamb plants were buying lamb at 160 p/kg last week and 170 p/kg early this week. Obviously there is room for a substantial lift. Apart from helping lamb producers in the relevant counties in Britain, this could also be good news for NI beef sales in Britain where there has been heavy competition from the promotion of cheap lamb. Steady rise in beef prices Meanwhile beef prices are rising steadily with a shortage of finished cattle available for slaughter. NI factory quotes in general were up by 2p/kg this week, having risen by the same amount in each of the past two weeks. Higher prices were available in special deals at some factories. Further rises over the next few weeks are anticipated. These should take the U3 grade above 170p/kg by the end of November. The EU Standing Veterinary Committee decisions this week also open the way for some livestock shipments into Britain, subject to strict protocols. This could open the way for herd replacements and store cattle to go across to Scotland. |
Copyright © : The Irish Farmers Journal 2001 |
