“Factories have been trying to keep a lid on prices by holding back on increasing base prices but are giving more to those trading at the higher end of the market.” This is according to Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA), Sean McNamara, who adds that prices are ranging from anywhere from €7.15-7.25/kg and rising to €7.30/kg in some meat processing plants.
Last week saw a rise in hogget prices, with it expected to continue to increase this week. However, the increase is only seen at the top end of the market with reports of prices now at €7.15-7.25/kg and topping as high as €7.30/kg in some cases. Factories have not increased the base prices from last week, and are instead placing emphasis on increasing costs at the higher end of the market as supplies tighten.
Kildare Chilling remains on a base price of €6.90/kg plus a 10c/kg quality assurance (QA), while Irish Country Meats is offering €6.75/kg plus a 10c/kg QA bonus. But factories have since increased the base prices of cull ewes by another 10-20c/kg. Kildare Chilling is now on a base of €3.60/kg plus a 10c/kg bonus, while Irish Country Meats remains on a base of €3.50/kg for ewes. This leaves the prices topping €3.70-3.90/kg at the top end of the market.
McNamara says that live trade is an alternative option for farmers to market hoggets who are meeting resistance from factories on price or who have heavy hoggets to sell.
LSL News.