10c/kg boost to lamb quotes
Suppliers are reporting that 650-660c/kg is being paid for good lambs this week at the factories, while the live trade at the marts is also reported to be very strong.
The scarcity of well-finished lambs continues to be an issue across the country, which has been worsened by the downpour of rain during October, and its impact on ground conditions on farms.
One of the processors has increased its quote for the lambs for this week by 10c/kg to offer 640c/kg with the quoted prices generally ranging from 600-630c/kg, plus the quality bonus of 10-20c/kg as applicable.
"There is a shortage of quality well-fleshed lambs which has been a factor throughout most of this year and it is pulling down the prices because the processors are making the point that they are not getting the kill out they'd like for the 2023 intake" said one producer.
"Producers are in a quandary. Meal prices have remained high throughout this year and producers have cut back to reduce their costs. There is no confidence among breeders that they can recover the extra costs incurred with increased concentrate feeding.
"The problem is that the processors want the better-fleshed lambs but are they willing to pay more for them to give the feeder a return. We are not in the business of taking on increased costs to lose more - it doesn't work that way" he added.
Suppliers are reporting that 650-660c/kg is being paid for good lambs this week at the factories, while the live trade at the marts is also reported to be very strong.
The prices were a shade improved at Corrin Mart, where a top price of €170 was recorded for butcher's lambs, equating to €115-117 over with a more general run at up to €105 over for well-finished lots.
