MONAGHAN IFA Sheep Chairman Eamon Markey has accused the meat factories of concerted moves to pull spring lamb prices, which he says were not justified by market returns. According to Mr Markey farmers are strongly resisting any price reductions.

 Mr Markey said that factories were quoting €5.50/€5.60/kg for spring lamb, but paying €5.60 to €5.80/kg. He also said spring lamb supplies were extremely scarce.

The sheep farmers leader pointed out that Bord Bia are reporting that Irish spring lamb is making the equivalent of €6.40kg in France.  Spring lambs are making €6.10/kg in the UK.

 On hoggets, Mr Markey said feeders are getting £5.00 to £5.10/kg up to 23kgs carcase weight. “With hogget and spring lamb supplies very tight, farmers should strongly resist the negative price pressure from the factories and insist on full value for their stock,” stated Mr Markey.