Supplies of suitably finished lambs are tight on the ground, and farmers are still looking for a strong return on lamb prices, according to the IFA. The organisation’s Sheep Committee chair Kevin Comiskey adds that the lower kill out rates this year have reduced the volumes of sheep meat being processed.
Despite persisting in lowering quotes, factories are anxious for lambs and are offering various deals on transport and other charges to entice sellers, bringing prices up to the equivalent of €6.90 to €7.00/kg in some deals.
Costs of production
He said factories must recognise the costs of production that sheep farmers are facing this year and reflect it in lamb prices. In addition, he said the behaviour over the past few weeks and the week of 28 July, 2022 in particular only serves to undermine confidence in the sector.
Comiskey added that store lamb sales have started out well but said it is critical that farmers see a commitment from factories to return strong lamb prices to underpin this trade. What’s more, tight supplies of well-fleshed lambs have increased competition between butchers and wholesalers in some marts adding to the pressures on factory agents to secure supplies.
Lamb price update 28 July, 2022
Lamb €6.60/6.80/kg. Higher deals groups/larger lots. Ewes €3.60/4.00/kg.