Strong Trade Sees Lamb Prices Up This Week

IFA Sheep chair Adrian Gallagher said lamb prices continue to rise as factories struggle to match supplies, with market demand lifting prices by a further 10c/kg this week.

“Supplies of suitably finished lambs are extremely tight on the ground as weekly spring lamb throughput continues to fall. Total lamb throughput is currently back 9% to date in 2024,” he said.

Sheep meat produced across the EU and UK is also down this year and factories must stand firm and maximise returns from the marketplace.

Lambs are making from €7.60kg to €7.90kg in general, with up to €8.00/kg paid on weights to 23.5kg. Cull ewes are making from €3.80/kg to €4.20/kg in general.

The mart trade has also strengthened for finished and store lambs, ensuring farmers are under no pressure to offload lambs that require further feeding.

The IFA Sheep chair said, “Lower volumes here, and reduced imports of lamb from outside the EU to our key export markets, will help underpin the trade for the remainder of the year”.

Adrian Gallagher said its important factories continue this upward trajectory in prices to maintain confidence in the sector and ensure store lamb buyers remain active in marts.