This is a subscriber-only article
Quotes for new season spring lambs have started on 580p/kg at local plants, putting 2018 prices £1/kg ahead of 2017 prices.
Factories indicate that demand is limited to local butchers, and only small numbers are required to meet orders.
With payment made up to a 21kg carcase weight, this makes spring lambs worth £121 per head, or £21 more than last year.
Hoggets
Meanwhile, prices for hoggets have stalled, both in the live trade and at factories. Demand remains strong, but buying agents working for meat plants appear determined to keep a lid on the trade.
Prices in marts are around the £110 to £120 mark, with several reporting a slightly easier trade, and a price drop of £3/hd to £5/hd.
Processors on both sides of the border have reduced their quotes this week with NI plants shaving 10p/kg off their opening price, leaving hoggets on a base of 490p to 500p/kg although 10p/kg to 15p/kg more is available.
A similar trend has materialised at southern Irish plants. It is partly driven by a shorter kill week, as well as an increase in kill figures.
SHARING OPTIONS: