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Opening prices for quality assured lambs have increased by another 10c/kg, with agents struggling to get their hands on required numbers.
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Rachel Gallagher reports from the annual Sliabh Liag Blackface sheep breeders’ association ram sale held in Ballybofey and Stranorlar livestock mart.
There has also been significant upward movement in the Spanish lamb prices in recent weeks with the latest sheep price dashboard recording an average farmgate price of €8.93/kg.
The weanling trade is buoyant as intense buying competition boosts prices for suckler bred calves
Greater competition between agents and tighter supplies has forced agents to pay more, with the two Irish Country Meats plants increasing their base quote by 10c/kg.
The has been an increase in base quotes for prime cattle at NI plants, while the live ring has seen higher prices paid for fat lambs this week.
Processing demand for finished cattle continues to strengthen in Northern Ireland, boosting prices in the process. Base quotes are steady on lambs, but higher prices are available.
The sheep kill profile continues to include a higher percentage of lighter lambs, with agents working hard to source better-quality lambs and willing to pay higher for quality lots.
There have been further price increases in the beef trade, with prime steers and heifers commanding 500p/kg at NI plants.
The majority of lambs continue to trade within a price range from €7.20/kg to €7.35/kg, with top prices rising upwards of €7.40/kg to €7.45/kg.
