Competition for lambs is driving the sheep trade at present, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).

Commenting on the situation at present, IFA National Sheep Committee chairman Sean Dennehy said strong market demand and tight supplies of finished lamb are driving the trade, with prices up a further 10c/kg this week.

He said €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 chairman added, claiming:

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.

Dennehy claimed that there is a strong push in the trade to secure supplies to meet the increase in demand on the lead in to Christmas.

Continuing, he said this is evident in the competition between factory agents, butchers and wholesalers in the marts, which is underpinning the factory prices.

The chairman said it’s important farmers keep lambs moving as they become fit, to maximise returns from the market place.

Butcher lambs ‘a shade easier’ but strong trade in Ennis

Butcher lambs were ‘a shade easier’ but still in strong demand at Ennis Mart on Monday (November 16), according to a spokesperson for the mart.

Numbers were also back on last week, with 400 head of sheep presented for sale at the Clare-based livestock mart.

A 100% clearance rate was achieved on the day, with the trade for lighter lambs and factory-type lambs strong.