Demand for lamb is outweighing supplies and factories are paying well above quoted prices to secure numbers, IFA national sheep chair Sean Dennehy has said.

“The practice of quoting prices that in no way reflect the market is angering farmers and undermining producer groups who have made commitments to factories.

“Despite lower quotes, €8.00/kg is freely available throughout the country to 21kg.

“Higher deals are available on price, up to €8.30/kg, and on weight to 21.5/kg.

“Some factories are also offering transport to close out deals.

“Hoggets are generally moving for €7.50/kg, with cull ewes from €3.30 to €3.55/kg.”

Urgent need for transparency

The IFA has said there is an urgent need for greater transparency through accurate up-to-date factory price reporting.

“Factory agents and wholesalers are very active in the marts and providing a real competitive alternative, particularly to the lower factory quoted prices.

“Farmers should sell hard, while moving lambs as they become fit to maximise returns.”