Monaghan IFA Sheep Committee Chairman Eamon Markey has said that spring lamb supplies remain very tight with factories anxiously looking for supplies and paying €5.30/kg to €5.40/kg up to 21kg carcase weight.

According to Mr Markey, grass remains tight and thrive is well back leaving supplies scarce. In addition, he said farmers are looking at keeping extra ewe lambs for breeding this season. The IFA sheep farmers’ leader has advised farmers to select factory and mart lambs carefully with reports at both under finished and overweight lambs at the factories. He added that the key issue is that farmers battle for every cent on the price with their agent or factory and make sure they are getting full
value for their stock.

In conclusion, Mr Markey said good lambs are making from €60 to €65 over the weight with the tops making €70 over the weight. Cull ewes are also making strong prices ranging from €100 to €120 per head at the marts.