Factories are paying between €5.30-€5.50/kg up to 23kgs carcass weight this week, according to IFA national sheep chairman, Sean Dennehy.
He noted that quotes of up to €5.60/kg are being forked out in places, while some live buying at €70 over the weight is also taking place. Between €2.60/2.80/kg is available for cull ewes.
Up to €6.40/kg for new season lamb
“Factories are eager for suitable stock and some feeders and producer groups are doing better deals.”
He explained that although there are only very small numbers of new season lamb moving, prices are in the region of €6.20-6.40/kg. He said that retail demand should be strong over the next two weeks in the run into Easter Sunday on April 12th, while Ramadan starts on April 23rd.
Throughput
Last week’s kill dropped to 45,666, of which 41,089 were lambs. Dennehy outlined that the Covid-19 crisis is having a very “severe impact” on the sheep sector with the loss of major market segments and price down as much as €1/kg.
He said this is a “devastating blow” for sheep farmers with stock for sale, who are facing a price drop of over €20/lamb.
The farm organisation has made a submission to Minister Creed and the EU Commission seeking EU action in the form of direct payment aid, APS market supports, suspension of non-EU imports and promotions.
