Lamb prices experienced a further lift this week to hit a high of €4.85/kg on the back of tight supplies. For the first time since late August, the weekly sheep kill has fallen below the 60,000 mark with 56,383 head slaughtered, according to official Department of Agriculture figures.

Tighter numbers are reflected in the national kill being down 6,000 head compared to the week ending 12 October. Last week’s top price of €4.70/kg was freely available on Monday.

There were reports that some of the larger export plants were running from 500 to 1,000 head short of lambs last week. To avoid a repeat of this situation, factory agents were extremely active in the marts and by phone looking to source numbers.

With supply groups frustrated that the base price had not reflected the increased demand for lambs, group members resisted selling unless there was a significant price lift. Reports of base prices increasing to €4.50/kg to €4.60/kg were made on Wednesday, which would bring a lot of groups into line, with prices of €4.80/kg to €4.85/kg being paid to individual sellers.

The supply situation is being reflected in the marts with fat lamb prices increasing by €5 to €6 on average. Fat lambs are now selling from €94 to €110 per head.

With beef protests organised next week at Kepak Athleague, Dawn Ballyhaunis, Moyvalley and Kildare, the implications are that these plants will struggle to get adequate lamb supplies.

Kieran Mailey