Sheep Farmers Holding out for More on Price
IFA National Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy said there are stronger signs that the lamb market is turning more positive.
Speaking from Brussels where he was attending a meeting of the EU Commission Sheep Civil Dialogue Meeting, he said the view is more positive especially driven by increased demand from the fallout from ASF (African Swine Fever) in China and the major shift in New Zealand and Australian sheep meat prices.
He said lamb prices are running in the range of €4.55 to €4.65/kg, with some farmers holding out for more this week. He said top prices of €4.70 to €4.75/kg including bonuses have been paid.
Sean Dennehy said carcase weights have moved up to 22kgs and the IFA has made it very clear that the penalties for overweight and overfat are way too severe.
“IFA has tackled the factories directly on the excessive penalties and over the top charges for clipping.”
Sean Dennehy said supplies are also tightening as would be expected this time of year and the bad weather this week left factories chasing stock.
The IFA sheep farmers’ leader said farmers should dig in hard, bargain for a higher price than is being offered and insist on the best specifications.
