Lamb prices fall to 390p/kg

Lamb prices faced more downward pressure this week with plants cutting quotes by 10p/kg to 390/kg. One plant is trying to pull quotes to 385p/kg towards the weekend.

Early September is the period when the lamb kill hits it peak and plants are currently handling large volumes of sheep.

With the key buying period for the Eid-Al-Adha festival now finished, buying agents for southern Irish processors are less active in marts.

However, the live trade continues to return prices well ahead of those on offer by processors. Sales held earlier this week saw prices of £84 to £86 per head paid for lambs weighing 22kg to 24kg and upwards of £90 still being paid for heavier lambs.

Death of Gilbert Crawford

The death has occurred of noted Charolais cattle breeder and Maghera businessman, Gilbert Crawford.

His funeral service takes place in Maghera Presbyterian Church today (Thursday) at 2pm with burial afterwards in the adjoining graveyard.

Working under the Coolnaslee Charolais prefix, the Crawford herd is well-known in the show and sale ring. In 2012, Gilbert was elected president of the British Charolais Cattle Society.