Strong performance of lamb in the supermarket trade throughout the year is expected to intensify over the coming weeks as Christmas approaches, IFA sheep chair Sean Dennehy has said.

The IFA has said the number of lambs processed weekly over the past eight weeks is below 2019 levels, projecting this trend to continue based on available supplies and, in turn, driving on trade.

Dennehy said: “Supplies are tight and strong market conditions have pushed prices up a further 10c/kg for some sellers as factories struggle to fill orders on the lead in to Christmas.

“To meet this demand, €5.60/kg is available from all factories, with deals pushing prices above these levels for larger lots and groups of lambs.”

Strong competition

The IFA has told farmers to continue moving lambs as they become fit to maximise returns from the market place.

Dennehy continued: “Strong competition between factory agents, butchers and wholesalers is driving mart trade and returns are comparing very favourably, particularly for those not securing the higher factory prices.

“The cull ewe trade has also strengthened, with prices ranging from €2.70/kg to €3/kg.”

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