Tight Supplies and Firm Demand for Sheep Meat Must Return Higher Prices – IFA

IFA Sheep Chair Adrian Gallagher said tight supplies and firm demand for sheep meat are driving the trade in our key export markets.

He said lamb prices in the UK increased by over 20p/kg since before Christmas and are currently the equivalent of €8.77/kg with French prices approaching €10/kg.

Adrian Gallagher said sheep factories here must reflect the reality of the marketplace and start returning prices similar to those available in our key export markets.

The IFA Sheep Chair said factories are acutely aware of the fact we have lost over 800,000 lambs for processing over the last two years and the urgent need to stop this decline in our sheep sector.

He said the starting point to rebuild confidence is strong and fair prices that reflect the value of our key markets for sheep meat.

Adrian Gallagher said there is almost 80c/kg of a gap between our price currently and the Uk price which must be closed by factories here increasing prices.

The IFA Sheep Chair said Ramadan commences in the middle of February this year which will increase demand for sheep meat at a time when supplies will be extremely tight.

He said markets are currently stronger than the prices offered and demand for sheep meat will increase in the coming weeks.

Adrian Gallagehr said factories must start reflecting the reality of the marketplace in higher prices for lambs.