Seasonal boost for lamb
Easter and the Islamic festivals have provided a boost to both prime lamb and cull sheep prices across the UK.
Prime lamb prices have reached the highest levels since the festive period.
In Scotland, the market cleared 268p/kg in the week to April 6, according to Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).
Iain Macdonald, QMS senior economics analyst, said the upturn was likely driven by increased demand at the start of Ramadan, followed by Easter.
For cull sheep, ewes and rams were averaging £107 per head in late March and early April, up from an average of £92 in the first 12 weeks of the year.
Glesni Phillips, Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) data analyst, said cull ewe prices at Welsh markets had been increasing week on week since February, peaking at £106.90/head during the week ending April 2.
“This record high reflects the demand for sheep meat following the start of the Ramadan festival at the beginning of the month,” she said.
The average eased the following week but was 33 per cent higher than the 5 year average and the festival of Eid in May could provide further support.
by Alex Black / Farmers Guardian
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