The sheep trade remains steady on the Irish market as continuing tight supplies and a stable domestic market help offset lower volumes of lamb being exported. Quotes for lambs at export meat plants have risen slightly to 465c/kg while trade for cull ewes has firmed with quotes in the region of 240 to 250c/kg being reported this week, reflecting a strong manufacturing demand for mutton.
For the week ending the 27th February, total sheep supplies at export meat plants reached 31,000 head, some 5,600 head below the same week in 2009.
In the UK, trade at the live markets remained relatively steady this week due mainly to tight supplies. By the end of the week, the average old season SQQ price stood at the equivalent of 466c/kg including VAT in England and Wales, despite sterling strengthening slightly.
In France, the lamb trade has become more competitive with the emergence of the Lacaune seasonal lamb. Irish Grade 1 lambs delivered to Paris were generally making in the region of 480c/kg from the limited volumes on the market.
Ex Rungis Lamb Prices (covered lamb) 10th March, 2010 (€/kg)
Grade U, French 7.00, Imported 5.10: R, French 6.30, Imported 4.90: O, French 6.10, Imported 4.70