IFA National Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy said the lamb market is driving on strongly with factories paying €5.90 to €6.00/kg for lambs.
He said strong market demand and rising prices in the UK and across the EU have seen significant price increases since Christmas. “UK prices for week ending Feb 9th are up a massive 29p/kg to £4.97/kg, which is equivalent to €6.16/kg incl vat.”
Sean Dennehy said carcase weights have also moved up, with all processors now paying to 23kgs and some finishers negotiating specific deals.
The IFA sheep farmers’ leader said the mart trade is also very strong for all types of stock.
“The stronger prices are pulling out numbers, with the kill up 29,000 head on this time last year. Farmers should select lambs carefully and continue to move lambs as they become fit. “
He said with Easter and Ramadan very close the spring trade looks very positive. Easter is on April 12th and Ramadan starts on April 23rd.
