Spring lamb producers marketing lambs this week for the Easter trade are being left very disappointed with returns.

Numbers coming on offer are strong, helped by Easter falling later than normal and relatively favourable spring weather. Demand however is being hampered by the large carryover of hoggets and producers also targeting this week to move them.

Average prices for spring lambs are €8 to €12 behind the week leading up to Easter in 2016. Many mart managers say that some wholesalers are still purchasing a percentage of hoggets with factory agents slow to bid for lambs. This is leaving higher numbers available for butcher producers.

General run of prices

General prices are €116 to €122 for the better quality fleshed lambs on offer that are weighing 42kg to 46kg. Small numbers are selling above this range. Lighter lambs weighing 38kg to 42kg are selling from €110 to €114, with a €2 to €4 spread either side for very good quality lambs or lots lacking flesh.

Factory quotes are static at €5.90/kg to €6.05/kg with general returns quoted at €6.15/kg to €6.25/kg. Reports suggest some producers are securing €6.30/kg by way of group bonuses.

Marts

Mart prices are also unchanged with good quality 50kg to 55kg fleshed lots selling from €110 to €116 with only small numbers exceeding this range and fewer butchers to push prices on.

The factory trade is steady with plants quoting from €4.90/kg to €5.00/kg. Prices range on average from €5.10/kg to €5.15/kg with producer groups and specialised finishers securing 5c/kg to 10c/kg higher with the best demand for lighter hoggets that will kill within the 23kg carcase limit.

Read more

Huge variation in grass supplies

Watch: state-of-the-art slatted sheep shed in Roscommon