Lamb prices are off to a great start as we head into 2019. Most plants have increased their quotes substantially this week in an effort to replenish stocks after the holiday period.

Despite the greater demand, there is a considerable variation in prices offered and paid. Farmers who have taken the time to bargain and ring around have secured 10c/kg to 15c/kg extra for their lambs.

Prices offered earlier in the week to farmers ranged between €5/kg and €5.05/kg. However, these prices are at the lower end of the scale, with farmers successfully negotiating €5.10/kg to €5.15/kg.

Paid weights are also up for negotiation and have often been the reason for clinching a deal. They generally range between 22.5kg and 23kg.

It is clear that factory agents are keen for lambs and it is likely prices will rise further as this week progresses.

The main indicator of the rising demand is the increase in quotes. Kildare Chilling is leading the charge with its quote of €4.90/kg (+10c Quality Assurance (QA)) followed by Kepak who are on a base of €4.90/kg (+5c QA). Irish Country Meats upped the ante with its quote of €4.85/kg (+10c QA), an increase of 10c/kg on the pre-holiday period. Ballon Meats is on an all-in price of €4.90/kg.

Factory agents have said Department vets are watching lambs closely. The key areas to watch out for are dirty tail ends and bellies, excess clay and daggings need to be removed. The dry weather is helping to alleviate these issues somewhat, but farmers need to remain vigilant especially when rain returns.

In 2018, 432,352 sheep were imported for direct slaughter from Northern Ireland to plants in the Republic while 62,766 sheep classified as store / breeding sheep were imported to southern farms. The north is a very important source of lambs for southern plants and the potential effects of a hard Brexit could have a major impact on throughput for them.

Ewes

Kildare Chilling upped its quote for ewes this week. They are on a base of €2.70/kg (plus 10c/kg QA). Irish Country Meats and Kepak remain on a base of €2.60/kg. Top prices paid are in excess of €2.80/kg. Demand for ewes has been rising of late. On the lead up to Christmas, factory agents were particularly keen for ewes and were paying €100/head to €120/head for fleshed ewes in the marts.