The two Irish Country Meats plants in Camolin and Navan have increased their paid carcase weight limit by 0.5kg to 22.5kg. At a price of €7.70/kg, the move increases the value of lambs availing of the higher weight limit by €3.35/head.

No other factory has increased their official carcase weight limit but the movement in ICM is putting pressure on other plants to follow suit. Reports indicate that such factories are paying the higher weight limit unofficially to regular sellers and those with greater negotiation power to secure deals.

The increase in carcase weight limits has been reflected in mart sales in the east of the country in particular with prices for heavier lambs increasing by €2 to €4/head, leaving top prices ranging from €170 to €175. Meanwhile, base quotes remain unchanged, with opening quotes for quality assured lambs remaining at €7.70/kg in the majority of plants, with top prices rising to €7.80/kg and in infrequent cases to €7.85/kg to €7.90/kg for those trading at the top end of the market.

ADVERTISEMENT