There has been no turnaround on lamb prices yet and many factories have opted to remain at last week’s base quotes.
Kildare Chilling has set a base price of 590c/kg, similar to that of the Irish Country Meats’ plants located in Navan and Camolin.
Kepak Athleague was not in a position to offer a quote for spring lambs yesterday afternoon.
Spring lamb numbers are also starting to increase and figures from the Department of Agriculture show that they were up by 2,227 head during the week ending April 16, compared to the corresponding week in 2016.
Hogget supply remains strong
Hogget quotes are currently in the range of 480 to 500c/kg. The supply of hoggets for the week ending April 16 is up 40%, or 12,562 head, compared to the same time last year.
- Kildare Chilling: 500c/kg + 10c QA
- ICM Camolin: 480c/kg + 10c QA
- ICM Navan: 480c/kg + 10c QA
- Kepak Athleague: 485c/kg + 5c QA
Continued increase in ewe and ram supply
The price quoted for ewes by both Kildare Chilling and Kepak Athleague currently stands at a price of 270c/kg, excluding Quality Assurance. Irish Country Meats is not quoting for ewes at the minute.
Supplies of ewes and rams for slaughter are also up on the same period last year by some 1,126 head, translating to a 21% increase.
In total, 55,097 sheep have been slaughtered for the week ending April 16 – a rise of 40% or 15,876 head on 2016 figures.
Market trading
According to Bord Bia, there has been little change reported in the British sheepmeat market, as slower demand is being offset to some extent by a reduction in supplies.
The SQQ live price for lamb in England and Wales was making the equivalent of about 510c/kg dead-weight towards the latter end of last week.
It also reported little change in the French market, as steady demand and strong domestic supplies were recorded. But, it is hoped that the upcoming bank holiday weekend will help boost trade.