Eid al Adha festival boosts lamb trade
Stephen Kirkup, who procures stock for abattoirs, reported a strong sale of lambs last week in line with the religious festival Eid al Adha.
For the week ending 4 November 2011, a total of 5,478 prime lambs, 1,172 store and breeding sheep, and 80 cattle.
The best averages for lambs were £81, with standard lambs selling for £3.70-£3.90/kg to 22kg, and £3.80/£3.85/kg on the grid to 21kg.
Organic lamb prices were £3.85/£3.90/kg on grid with smalls up to 13.5kg at £4.00/kg.
Looking ahead to trade for the coming weeks, he said: “There is a strong home trade demand for cutting lambs at the moment and processors are looking for small lambs for export leading up to Christmas.
“Processors are sourcing small amounts of organic lambs but there is no great demand for these at the present time. With the favourable exchange rate and a good demand for lambs from
“There is definitely a great deal of confidence in the lamb market from farmers who are prepared to invest in store lambs at the moment.”