The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has said that sheep farmers are “under no pressure” to offload lambs that require further feeding, due to strong prices for lambs at the moment.
Adrian Gallagher, the association’s sheep chairperson, said lamb prices are continuing to rise as factories struggle to match supplies, with market demand lifting prices by a further 10c/kg this week.
He called on processors to maintain that trend to instill confidence among sheep farmers.
“Supplies of suitably finished lambs are extremely tight on the ground as weekly spring lamb throughput continues to fall,” he said.
“Total lamb throughput is currently back 9% to date in 2024.
“Sheep meat produced across the EU and UK is also down this year and factories must stand firm and maximise returns from the marketplace,” Gallagher added.
The IFA sheep chair said that 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, meanwhile, are making from €3.80/kg to €4.20/kg in general, according to Gallagher.
“The mart trade has also strengthened for finished and store lambs, ensuring farmers are under no pressure to offload lambs that require further feeding,” he 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.”
“It’s important factories continue this upward trajectory in prices to maintain confidence in the sector and ensure store lamb buyers remain active in marts,” Gallagher added.
Sheep welfare payments
In further positive developments for the sheep sector this week, 2024 National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS) payments are currently on their way to 15,465 farmers.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue confirmed yesterday (Wednesday, November 6) that the advance payments will be worth €14.36 million to farmers.
The NSWS is aimed at “assisting farmers to produce better quality animals and implement practical animal welfare measures on their farms”.
The NSWS measures are additional to those in the Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) and had to be applied for separately.
The NSWS only has a one year duration and will run from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.
These payment mean 91% of all eligible applicants in the scheme will be paid in the coming days, according to the minister.