As predicted by some, factory prices have once again increased for lambs, with base quotes now ranging from €5.20-5.30/kg – an increase of up to 10-20c/kg since the beginning of the week.
At the moment, Kildare Chilling leads the way with a base quote of €5.30/kg plus a 10c/kg quality assurance (QA) bonus – an increase of 10c/kg since the start of the week.
Lastly, Irish Country Meats is on a base price of €5.20/kg plus a 10c/kg QA bonus – which is an increase of 20c/kg since Monday.
At the minute, those involved in producer groups or those handling large numbers are reportedly securing deals of €5.45-5.60/kg for lambs.
It’s been well documented in the past fortnight that factory agents have been very active across marts and mart managers continue to note tightening numbers of finished lambs at sales.
Lamb quotes for Thursday (November 12):
- Kepak Athleague: 525c/kg + 15c/kg QA;
- Kildare Chilling: 520c/kg + 10c/kg QA;
- ICM: 520c/kg + 10c/kg QA.
‘I expect lamb prices to increase again’
Earlier this week, AgriLand spoke to Sean McNamara, the sheep chairperson of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA).
Sean said that he expected lamb prices to increase again this week as the “number of finished lambs are just not there to be got”.
He said: “In terms of the factory trade at the moment, lamb numbers are very tight. Prices are strong currently and I’d expect them to go up again.
“If I was to make a prediction I’d say it will [the sheep trade] remain positive over the coming weeks because the lambs are just not there. A lot of farmers have their lambs gone.”