Sheep trade in Ireland: Lamb prices are up 40c/kg and weight limits rise

This week’s sheep trade has seen an uplift in prices after a few weeks of a relatively steady trade and at least two outlets have moved to increase their carcass weight limits by a half-a-kilo. Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) figures show sheep kill numbers have dropped off significantly since week 40 of this year and in the week ending Sunday, November 24, (week 47) just over 35,700 sheep were slaughtered, a drop of almost 24,000 or 40% on the same week of 2023. Sheep trade sources indicate processors are keen for finished lambs in the lead up to Christmas and with lamb supplies down both within Ireland and across Europe and demand remaining firm, prices are on the rise. In general this week, fat ewes are being quoted at €4.00-4.10/kg with €3.50/kg being quoted for lighter ewes. At the higher-end of the price scale, up to €4.60/kg is available for fat ewes. Lamb prices have increased by up to 40c/kg in cases this week. Outlets that were on €7.60/kg plus a ...