Farmer anger at recent price cuts of over €20 on spring lambs reached boiling point this week.

The ICSA prevented sheep from entering Irish Country Meats factory in Camolin on Monday, while a number of meetings were held between delegations from the IFA sheep committee, factories and Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.

Producers have endured a tough three weeks, with prices falling by upwards of €1/kg.

Quotes for Thursday have settled at a base of €5.50/kg for spring lambs with producers with hoggets on hand in a very difficult position.

Plants are slow to quote for hoggets with prices reported ranging from just €4.30/kg to €4.50/kg with heavy cuts also implemented on overweight lots.

Meat Industry Ireland (MII) said: “Processors have reported a significant drop-off in demand for sheepmeat in several markets but in particular in France, our most important export market.

“This has resulted in downward price pressure from importers which has contributed to the fall in sheep prices here over the last fortnight.

“The main part of the Ramadan festival, which has now passed, delivered disappointing sales, while weaker demand in the French market is exacerbated by increased volumes of Spanish lamb and their own seasonal supply of Lacaune.”

Positive news

Meanwhile, there was some positive news from Tuesday’s meeting between the IFA and Minister Michael Creed, with IFA sheep chair Seán Dennehy reporting on a positive response on the rollover of the Sheep Welfare Scheme.

“Minister Creed responded positively to an IFA request that the Sheep Welfare Scheme be rolled over and extended to allow existing and new applicants draw down the full €25m funding.

“The IFA also put forward a strong case for a targeted payment of €30 per ewe,” he said.