Suitable lambs 'in scarce supply' as prices continue to rise

Lamb prices have continued to rise this week, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).

Commenting, IFA National Sheep Committee chairman Sean Dennehy noted that Quality Assured (QA) lambs are now making €5.40 to €5.60/kg, up to 22.5kgs.

“Suitable lambs are in scare supply, based on the high throughput during the year.

“Factories are struggling to get numbers to meet demand. Butchers and wholesalers are adding competition and helping to drive the price increases,” he said.

Dennehy said farmers who are unable to secure the higher factory price should consider selling in the marts, where lambs are regularly making more than what some factories are offering sellers of smaller lots.

This, he said, is a “real alternative and a viable outlet providing additional competition to factories”.

Continuing, the chairman said finished lamb numbers will remain tight – meaning, combined with market demand, this should continue to drive the trade.

“Demand is strong for all types of stock at the moment including ewe lambs, store lambs and breeding ewes with mart prices strengthening week on week, he noted.

“The cull ewe trade has also risen this week, with factory prices ranging from €2.70 to €2.85/kg and well fleshed ewes making over €130 in marts in some cases,” Dennehy concluded.