C&J Meats accounts to 30 November 2023 included a one-off exceptional item, writes Phelim O’Neill.
SUBSCRIBER ONLYAn increase in factory prices has allowed buyers to pay €200 and above for top-quality finished lambs
Competition for a limited supply of slaughter fit lambs is growing and factory quotes are on the rise at factories in NI.
The factory trade has also jumped in recent days with groups securing returns of €8.25/kg to €8.35/kg and upwards of €8.40/kg paid at the higher end of the market.
Cattle prices at NI plants continue to rise as processing demand exceeds supply, while there has been another increase in lamb quotes.
The beef trade in NI has seen prices rising to record highs during late November.
High demand for all types of lambs and cull ewes was seen in Ballymote, as buyers battled against one another to secure numbers.
With more farmers opting to sell live, numbers passing through marts are still strong.
Mart managers indicate that buying demand for store lambs is on the rise and prices are pushing upwards as a result
Base quotes for fat lambs continue to rise and now stand at 635p/kg at plants in NI