Lambs steady after last weeks collapse
By FWi staff
LAMB prices appear to have stabilised following their dramatic fall last week.
At livestock markets on Tuesday in England and Wales, slight lambs inched up 2.12p to 45.25p/kg. However, light lambs eased slightly to 45.28p/kg. Standard lambs rose 1.16p/kg and medium lambs also rose, climbing 1.77p to 64.88p/kg. Heavy lambs nudged up to 62.80p/kg.
Although prices have risen this week, it has only been by a fraction, noted auctioneer Alan Venner of Exeter market. “Traditionally prices should increase towards Christmas. But there are people saying that the prices could still go down further.
“Last year the prices did not increase towards Christmas,” he said.
Lamb prices will depend on what supply is like in the run up to Christmas predicted Mr Venner. “And at the moment the supply is very constant.”
The average price fetched at Exeter on Tuesday was slightly above the national average at 67p/kg.
A much smaller show of lambs met a better trade at Uttoxeter market on Wednesday, noted auctioneer Norman Tweddle. Average prices were up 3p on last week at 66.6p/kg.
“The cull ewes were a very large show and, while prices stayed low, the overall average was better by £1.50/head,” he said. Top price was £30 for a Texel followed by a Charollais cross at £29.50.