Lamb prices continue to buck the seasonal trend, with prices edging upwards by 5c/kg to 10c/kg in the last week.

The general farmgate lamb price ranges from €6.20/kg to €6.40/kg.

This is in the region of €1/kg ahead of the corresponding week in 2020 and the recent rebound in price means 2021 remains a positive year for sheep farmers.

Recent analysis carried out by Bord Bia shows average sheep prices for the first 32 weeks of the year are running €1.43/kg higher than last year or in the region of €30 on a typical 21kg carcase.

The increase in price at the start of the year was underpinned by a combination of strong market performance and significantly tighter supplies, with hogget throughput over 90,000 head lower.

In recent weeks the market has been underpinned by strong demand, with throughput running in line with 2020 levels.

Kill data

The most recent kill data for the week ending 25 August recorded lamb throughput of 50,249 head, with year to-date throughput just 2,150 head lower than in 2020.

The cull ewe trade is also running at a much higher level, with factory quotes 75c/kg higher on average or €22.50 to €30 higher on a 30kg and 40kg carcase, respectively.

The trade for heavy cull ewes in marts is particularly bright with prices up by as much as €40/head and even €50 in select cases.