Lamb prices take a knock
Lamb prices take a knock
LAMB prices have taken a tumble in the early part of this week as volumes may be getting ahead of demand.
Prices were edging up to 92p-96p/kg last week, but Northampton auctioneer Keith Rose expects this to be pegged back to 90p/kg this week.
This might be because export contracts have been filled, he says. "Increased prices have encouraged more numbers forward, but when export contracts have been fulfilled, oversupply is left for home consumption and values have dropped."
On the export front, Farmer Freshs Mike Gooding says that heavy lamb demand is holding up well. "Theres a few signs that lights are improving, but we treat this on a day-to-day basis.
"Its BSE issues which are currently influencing lamb trade. BSE and politics – this may not be a good thing," he adds.
In terms of lamb requirements, he says that export type lambs depend on individual markets for that week. Anyone interested in exporting lambs should contact their abattoir to check out the carcass specs required for that week. *