Factories’ attempts to pull back lamb prices have been futile, with many forced to pay well above their initial plans. Farmers are securing €4.85/kg to €4.90/kg for lambs, with some producer groups securing €4.95/kg and €5.00/kg. Last week, factories tried hard to reduce farmers’ expectations after the Eid al-Adha festival.

However, the very large throughput of lambs, both in factories and for live export, in the leadup to the festival seemed to flush out huge numbers of slaughter-fit lambs. This has left a deficit of fleshed lambs available for slaughter and factories have been more active in the marts buying up any fleshed lambs available.

Last week’s kill reflects reports of reduced supplies standing at 59,245 head, down 12,324 on the week previous and over 10,000 head behind the corresponding week last year.

It is unlikely that numbers will improve soon because weather conditions have not been ideal and lamb thrive has suffered as a result. Farmers not feeding any concentrates to lambs have found it very difficult to get adequate cover on lambs.

As reported in Sheepwatch below, factory-fit lambs have seen a significant price rise in the marts. Numbers available are also limited in the marts, with managers reporting stiff competition between agents for any fleshed lambs present. Base quotes have seen some improvement, but factories are reluctant to show a significant rise.

Ballon Meats led with an all-in quote of €4.80/kg for lambs. In the export plants, Kepak Athleague is on top with a base price of €4.65/kg excluding bonuses. Both ICM plants have increased quotes by 10c/kg to a base of €4.60/kg excluding bonuses.

IFA national sheep chair John Lynskey said lamb prices remain strong at €4.85/kg to €5.00/kg, with numbers tight during Ploughing match week.He said the last two weeks of very strong kills has left numbers tighter.

Northern trade

The number of lambs exported south from the North fell to 6,790 head, down 5,299 on the week previous. This was expected given the greater supply and demand a fortnight ago for lambs coming up to Eid Al-Adha.

Quotes remain unchanged at £3.75/kg, the equivalent of €4.63/kg.

Ewe trade

The ewe trade continues to be variable, with plants showing very different levels of interest. The majority of plants are quoting €2.30/kg, with Ballon Meats leading with a quote of €2.50/kg. Top prices paid range from €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg.