Lamb quotes down but deals are on offer

There are mixed messages from lamb processors this week as some plants cut base quotes by 15p/kg to 430p/kg, while others are on a base of 440p/kg.

Reports indicate that those processors applying more severe price cuts are reducing lamb throughput to accommodate higher cattle numbers.

However, several producer groups indicate they remain on a base of 440p/kg, with an additional 5p/kg being paid on in-spec animals. Farmers selling outside of producer groups also report prices of 440p and higher on offer.

Britain

The lamb trade in Britain remains rock solid, with SQQ price reports from the mart trade around 210p/kg midweek. Farmers report finished lambs around the 460p/kg mark.

Ireland

South of the Irish border prices have eased by 10c to 20c/kg, with plants on base quotes of €5 to €5.20/kg.

However, once bonuses are applied, lambs are moving off farm from €5.20 to €5.30/kg, which at current exchange rates converts to 460p/kg.

While Irish prices have eased, it is worth noting several plants are now paying to a 22kg carcase weight limit.

Meanwhile, the live trade in NI is reasonably steady, although some sale averages have eased by £2 to £3 per head in the last few days.

Mart managers are advising farmers selling lambs to try to ensure lambs are of a similar weight, as buyers are requesting lighter animals to be split from large batches.

With an exceptionally strong trade for store lambs, lighter lambs are better marketed through the store ring.

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