The Irish Farmers Journal dairy, beef, sheep and tillage editors take a look back at the year that was 2024 and the highs and lows in their sectors.
SUBSCRIBER ONLYThere was a 100% clearance rate at this week's sheep sale in Kenmare Mart. It marked the end of trading for the year and the super trade was a sharp contrast to this time 12 months ago.
Lakeland Dairies CEO Colin Kelly and Dale Farm CEO Nick Whelan join us on Farm Tech Talk this week to discuss milk markets.
Base quotes for prime cattle reached the 500p/kg mark this week for the first time on record in Northern Ireland, with quotes jumping 15p/kg for fat lambs.
Market forecasts point to tight supplies of fat lambs next year which is likely to underpin prices according to LMC analysis.
Factory prices for finished cattle and lambs continue to rise in Northern Ireland, as processors continue to chase supplies.
Throughput increased marginally by 1,487 head, but remains a massive 18,613 head below the corresponding week in 2023.
Robust processing demand has driven prime cattle prices to record highs in Northern Ireland. Lamb prices are also edging up with quotes on 640p/kg.
Quotes on prime cattle continue to rise at NI plants, while deals are available that pay to a higher weight limit on fat lambs.
Competition for fat lambs is intensifying with plants offering higher prices and increasing weight limits to secure numbers.