IFA National Sheep chairman Sean Dennehy says strong market demand and tight supplies of finished lamb are driving the trade, with prices up a further 10c/kg.
“€5.50 to €5.60/kg is available from all factories at this stage, with deals for larger lots and producer groups pushing past these prices. Cull ewes are making €2.70 to €2.90/kg.
“The attempts by factories to manage throughput by reducing the number of days killing is a clear indication of how tight supplies are and will be,” he said.
“There is a strong push in the trade to secure supplies to meet the increase in demand on the lead in to Christmas.
“This is evident in the competition between factory agents, butchers and wholesalers in the marts, which is underpinning the factory prices,” Sean said.
The IFA chairman said it’s important farmers keep lambs moving as they become fit, to maximise returns from the market place.
