14 DECEMBER 2016
ICSA sheep chairman John Brooks has said it is time for meat factories to stop using scare tactics in an effort to drive down the price of lamb. “This time last year farmers were achieving €5.10/kg with prices rising, now we are seeing quotes as low as €4.55/kg but in reality deals are being done at €4.75/kg.”
Mr Brooks said that the fall in sterling is still being cynically used to manipulate the market in order for the factories to profiteer. “The currency issue has now stabilised, but this is being ignored by factories who are continuing to use sterling as well as gloomy prospects for the sheep trade in 2017 as an excuse not to adequately compensate farmers for their produce. This is despite no discernible increase in numbers this year as opposed to last year.”
Continuing Mr Brooks said “With New Zealand lamb extremely scarce in UK supermarkets, there is a real opportunity for Irish lamb to have a free run across Europe. The mart trade for slaughter fit lambs is also strong, so bleak soundings from the factories are completely uncalled for. There is no reason for sheep farmers not to be achieving a price equivalent to last year right up to the end of the hogget season.”
ENDS
