NI spring lamb quotes rise to 650p/kg

Factory quotes for new-season lambs have strengthened by 5p to 650p/kg this week as processors switch from hoggets.

While numbers coming on the market are growing week on week, competition from southern Irish plants means local factories have found it difficult to secure numbers, hence the upturn in quotes.

Deals of 660p/kg were widely available earlier this week, matching the €8.20/kg on offer south of the Irish border.

Prices in the marts are up £2 to £3/head on last week with factory fit lambs around the £140 mark, which equates to a finished price of 666p/kg at the 21kg carcase weight limit.

The beef trade is holding firm. Quotes are up 2p to 430p/kg for prime cattle, but deals of 444p to 450p/kg are common. Cows continue to move between 380p and 400p/kg.

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