Base prices in the sheep trade held steady for the week, ranging from €6.75/kg up to €6.90/kg. Processors were reluctant to increase prices but due to the decision it has left processors in a stronger position this week. According to various reports, only one meat processing plant increased its base price for hoggets. With some processors saying that there was no issue in tying in numbers at the start of this week, quality assured lambs are trading at and above €7.00/kg.
In terms of the cull ewe trade, base prices increased this week by 10c/kg. This is leaving base quotes for ewes ranging from €3.60/kg up to €3.70/kg with top prices reaching €3.90/kg.
But according to sheep chair of the Irish Farmers Association, Kevin Comiskey factories should be paying up to 23.5kg in light of the difficulties farmers are currently facing. He says “farmers should be getting paid up to a carcass weight of 23.5kg. Factories shouldn’t be penalising farmers, considering the high input costs farmers are being faced with and instead they should be paid for every kilo they are producing.”
“Hogget prices are ranging anywhere from €7.10/kg up to €7.30/kg with up to €7.40/kg also being secured for larger lots. Prices for ewes are ranging from €3.50/kg up to €3.90/kg” claims the chair.