Sean Dennehy, the IFA’s sheep chair, has said that the lamb market is driving on strongly, with factories paying €5.90 to €6.00/kg for lambs.

Dennehy told the Irish Farmers Journal: “UK prices for week the ending 9 February are up a massive 29p/kg to £4.97/kg, which is equivalent to €6.16/kg including VAT.”

Dennehy also pointed out that carcase weights have moved up, with all processors now paying to 23kgs and some finishers able to negotiate good deals.

“The stronger prices are pulling out numbers, with the kill up 29,000 head on this time last year,” he said. “Farmers should select lambs carefully and continue to move lambs as they become fit“.

Dennehy also noted that the spring trade looks positive, with Easter and Ramadan falling very close to each other on 12 and 23 April respectievly.

Read more

Knackery owners to be balloted as talks with Department remain in deadlock

Top prices of €130 to €137 for hoggets in Mountbellew Mart

Mart prices: double the amount of calves dampens prices in Thurles