Lamb trade holds firm in build-up to Christmas

Favourable exchange rates and improved demand on the Continent for exports have helped to support lamb prices during the autumn so far.

Liveweight lamb prices averaged 259.2p/kg for the week ending 28 November, up marginally on the previous week and up 13p/kg on year-earlier levels.

Annual Christmas primestock shows at some auction markets have also been helping to support prices in the short term, with increased interest from buyers.

See also: Welsh secure new lamb deal with Japan

However, sterling has started to strengthen against the euro again in the past week, making UK exports slightly less competitive, with the pound moving from €1.14 to €1.17 midweek.

Auctioneers say the wet autumn has stunted growth for some lambs, meaning smaller, less-finished stock has been coming forward.

Meanwhile, buyers are paying premiums for heavier, well-fleshed lambs.

At Exeter Livestock Centre on Monday 27 November, finished lambs averaged 256p/kg liveweight and topped at £156.50 a head.

Exeter auctioneer Russell Steer said overall quality was more variable, and the trade reflected that, with meat and weight continuing to be in vogue.

Deadweight

The GB deadweight SQQ stood at 588.7p/kg for the week ending 25 November, up almost 40p/kg on the same week last year.

Throughputs at abattoirs have started to climb in recent weeks to the highest levels so far this year, after being back during October.

Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales analyst Glesni Phillips said lamb throughputs at UK abattoirs in October were down 2.5% on the year at 1.1 million, while cull ewe and ram throughputs were down 8%.