Lamb Trade Stronger This Week

Sheep in Wicklow

IFA National Sheep Chairman John Lynskey has said the overall lamb trade is stronger this week with factories paying €6.10 kg to €6.20/kg for spring lamb.

Hogget prices have also improved with €5.10 to €5.20 available and demand is strong all round driven by Ramadan.

John Lynskey said it is positive to see live weight buying of lambs at marts in the lead up to Ramadan, which starts on May 27th. He said prices in the order of €2.70/kg flat are being paid for lambs.

Factories have made the changeover and supplies remain tight, leaving agents anxious for lambs.

Ewes are making €2.80/kg.

The weekly kill for week ending May 7th was 46,000 head, of which 14,371 were spring lambs. To date this year the kill is up 104,783 head, reflecting a big increase in hoggets and cull ewes. This is a 13% increase on 2016 levels.

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