Lamb trade starts to falter after months of strong returns
Livestock farmers have received a decent return for lambs so far in 2024, with finished deadweight prices staying above £8/kg since mid-March.
However, as new season lambs start to come through in greater numbers, its unclear how much longer the trade will be able to hold.
The new season lamb deadweight SQQ fell by 43p/kg to 849.7p/kg in the week to 1 June.
Likewise, old season lamb prices dropped back by 23p/kg to 794p/kg.
See also:
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Record-breaking lamb trade hits peak but stays above £8/kg
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Lamb prices soar as supply tightens and demand rises
Throughputs increased slightly on the week as more spring lambs started to come forward, but overall, supply remains tight as present.
Looking ahead, lamb throughputs are likely to increase throughout the summer months and peak later in the Autumn.
This will add some pressure on returns and, combined with reduced demand from buyers, may lead to prices slipping.
More shipments of lamb from New Zealand and Australia are forecast to reach the UK market following disruptions to shipping routes earlier in the year.
Charlie Reeve | Farmers Weekly
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