The sheep trade has improved in response to tight supplies and a strong domestic demand, which is helping to offset a slower export trade.
Quotes for lambs at export meat plants have increased to 480c/kg while trade for cull ewes has firmed, with quotes in the region of 250c/kg being reported this week, reflecting on-going strong manufacturing demand for mutton.
For the week ending the 13th March, total sheep supplies at export meat plants reached 32,900 head, which was similar to the corresponding week last year.
In the UK, trade at the live markets has improved this week on the back of sterling weakening somewhat and supplies remaining tight. By the end of the week, the average old season SQQ price stood at the equivalent of 462c/kg including VAT in England and Wales.
In France, the volume of Irish lamb on the market remains very small with trade being dominated by the availability of the Lacaune lamb, with reports that Spanish lamb is also emerging in Southerns regions of France. The limited volumes of Irish Grade 1 lambs delivered to Paris were still generally making in the region of 480c/kg.
Ex Rungis Lamb Prices (covered lamb) 17th March, 2010 (€/kg)
Grade U, French 7.10, Imported 5.10: R, French 6.40, Imported 4.90: O, French 6.20, Imported 4.70