Lamb trade holds firm despite export market caution

The prime lamb trade is starting to strengthen, with latest auction returns showing prices holding well despite an increase of lambs now coming forward.

“The dry weather conditions experienced in many areas of the UK have delayed lamb finishing for many,” said Alastair Brown, policy officer at the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (LAA).

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“The past few weeks have seen an increase in numbers, but we remain a little behind the corresponding weeks from last year.”

For the week ending Tuesday 8 September, LAA reported that standard liveweight lambs (32-39kg) averaged 329p/kg, down 2.7p/kg on the previous week, while medium lambs (39-45.5kg) averaged 332.7p/kg, an increase of 1.7p/kg.

Heavy lambs averaged 327.9p/kg, up 0.7p/kg. At the same time last year, standard lambs averaged just 298.2p/kg, underlining the strength of the current trade.

Store trade better

The store trade is also improving, with numbers beginning to increase as the main autumn sales get under way.

“Better rainfall and improving grass growth in many areas of the country may be encouraging producers to bring stores forward as their appeal to buyers starts to strengthen again,” said Paul Ashton, auctioneer at Sedgemoor Livestock Market.

Cull ewes remain valuable too. “Average cull prices (£123.55/head) are similar to last year, but on a price per kg basis I would expect them to be better, as ewes have not had the same condition as a result of the challenging drought conditions,” explained Mr Ashton.

However, the export market remains less buoyant than earlier in the year, particularly in France.

Rizvan Khalid, director of Euro Quality Lambs, said recent weeks had brought some improvement following the summer holidays, but demand had yet to reach expected levels.

“This summer’s dry weather has meant some poorer quality lambs and that has potentially limited export demand.

“We hope the change in weather will now mean better-covered lambs are brought forward to support the market.”