Sheep trade in Ireland: Base prices for lambs remain steady

Lamb prices have remained steady over the last several weeks as processors continue to seek out well-fleshed lambs. The supply of sheep this year is currently running 184,822 head behind last year, which is a 10% drop in numbers. With 76,437 fewer spring lambs slaughtered this year, base prices have remained at over €7/kg since the beginning of August. While sales for breeding sheep and rams are in full swing, lamb sales at marts across the country are being met with a strong buyer demand. Last week at Carnew Mart, 3,867 sheep were sold at the weekly sale. There was very strong farmer demand ringside for stores, while online sales took the lead for the more forward heavier type of sheep. In Dowra Mart last week, just over 2,200 sheep sold at the sale, where fat lambs reached €167 for 21 lambs weighing 54.5kg. A recent sale at Loughrea Co-operative Mart Ltd showed that lambs with flesh continue to be a “fine strong trade” with tops of a sale earlier this month hitting €170 for ...