Lower numbers of spring lambs and demand for the Eid al-Adha festival on 9 July, 2022, has underpinned the trade, with lamb prices steady at €7.50 to €7.60/kg in general, according to IFA Sheep committee chairman Kevin Comiskey. Cull ewes are making up to €4.30/kg.
He said exporters are also competing strongly for ram lambs and finding it difficult to get the numbers they want. Also, it is important that lambs are moved as they become fit in order to maximise returns and reduce input cost exposure. However, farmers should sell hard to maintain control of the supply demand balance.
Lamb price update 30 June 2022
Lamb €7.40/7.60/kg. Higher deals groups/larger lots. Ewes €4.00/4.30/kg.
Meanwhile, ICSA Sheep chair Sean McNamara has said sheep farmers are furious following the move by processors to slash lamb prices this week (28 June 2022). “Wiping 70c/kg off the price of spring lamb in one fell swoop is an absolute disgrace. Sheep farmers are relying on prices to stay at a reasonable level to have any chance of coping with input costs that have now reached eye-watering levels. Processors know this, and what’s more consumers know this; food cannot be produced for half nothing.”
McNamara said farmers should continue to look to the marts when selling where possible. “With the Eid al-Adha festival coming up, exporters are buying in the marts so that’s likely the best bet for any ram lambs 44kg and above.”