Lamb Price Firm

IFA National Sheep Chairman John Lynskey has said lamb prices are firm this week with factories paying from €4.65 to €4.75 with some top prices of €4.80 and more for groups and larger lots. He said all plants have now moved on to 22kgs carcase weights.

John Lynskey said demand remains good and the sterling exchange rate at 88p/€ is helping in respect of competiveness with the UK. In addition, he said this will make Northern lambs less attractive for the plants. The IFA Chairman said farmers are still very angry and frustrated with the way plants are using imported lambs against local suppliers.

John Lynskey said the ewe trade is sticker with plants offering €2.50 to tops of €2.70/kg and quoting much less.

John Lynskey said farmers selling lambs or ewes should bargain hard and make sure they are getting full value for their stock.