It has been another good week for anyone with lambs fit for slaughter.

Demand for factory-fit lambs has become more pronounced this week, with agents really working hard to secure deals.

Prices in the marts have rocketed ahead too, with prices for all types of lamb on the increase (see SheepWatch below).

In terms of prices, €5/kg is now very much attainable. Last week, it was only farmers and producer groups with lots of lambs on hand that were seeing those prices, but the €5/kg mark has now definitely become more mainstream.

Prices over €5/kg are also being paid now, with a number of producers digging their heels in for €5.05/kg and some even holding out for €5.10/kg.

Weight limits are up for negotiation too, with 22.5kg most common, but some farmers are being paid up to 23kg.

The main driver of the increased prices seems to be ever-tightening supplies of fleshed lambs.

Last week’s lamb kill was just 47,294 head, back 4,537 on the week previous. Compared with this time last year, it is down a massive 17%.

This massive dip in supply will, of course, create extra competition. The fact that Christmas is just three weeks away will also add another dynamic to the trade.

The main export plants have all increased their quotes this week. Kildare leads the way with its quote of €4.90/kg (plus 10c quality assurance (QA)). This is 10c/kg up on last week’s offering. Kepak also increased its base quote by 10c to €4.90/kg (plus 5c QA).

Irish Country Meats is on a base of €4.85/kg (+10c QA). Both Moyvalley and Ballon Meats remain on an all-in quote of €4.90/kg.

Keeping lambs clean for slaughter will become more challenging as we move deeper into winter. Farmers should take all the precautions possible to avoid rejection of lambs before slaughter.

NI

In the North, prices have also taken a jump. Quotes have increased by 20p/kg to £4.10/kg (equivalent of €4.84/kg including 5.4% VAT). Southern factories are making use of northern lambs to help counteract the deficit in domestic supplies. A total of 10,764 head were imported from the North for direct slaughter in the Republic last week. To date this year, there has been 398,458 head imported from the North to the south for direct slaughter (up 9% compared with 2017).

Cull ewes

The demand for cull ewes is on the rise. Most farmers are now securing €2.80/kg to €2.90/kg for fleshed ewes. Some deals are being made up to €3/kg where agents are very keen for numbers. Quotes continue to range from €2.60/kg to €2.70/kg.

Read more

Sheep trends: supplies tighten further

Northern view: strong supplies keep cattle prices under pressure