Irish Lamb Market Update: Prices and Throughput
Irish Lamb Prices and Throughput – February 2025 Market Update
The latest figures show that Irish lamb prices and throughput continue to move in different directions. Processors in Ireland have raised base quotes to €9.00–€9.40/kg for well-finished lambs, including the Quality Assurance (QA) bonus. Strong demand also prompted plants to lift carcass weight limits to 24 kg, giving producers more flexibility.
This firming trade reflects a consistent pattern across 2024 and into early 2025. Tighter supplies and steady demand in both domestic and export markets continue to support values. Similar conditions appear in other major lamb-producing regions across Europe and the UK. According to Eurostat, the Irish ewe flock contracted by 3.7% in December 2023 compared with 2022, a fall of 107,000 head that is still influencing today’s supply.
Prices
For the week ending 12 January 2025, the reported deadweight price for lambs reached €8.75/kg — a strong 31% increase on the same week in 2024, when prices averaged €6.62/kg.
In Great Britain, average lamb returns stood at €8.29/kg, down only 4c on the week. Northern Ireland prices improved to €7.95/kg, supported by demand from both GB and ROI live exports.
Southern Hemisphere suppliers have also edged higher. Australia rose to €5.99/kg, and New Zealand recorded €4.38/kg, narrowing the gap with EU prices and boosting competitiveness in European markets.
Throughput
Sheep throughput continues to tighten. DAFM-approved Irish plants processed 34,008 head in the second week of January, compared with 57,313 head in the same week last year. Overall, year-to-date slaughter is down 32%, totalling 70,274 head.
This decline stems from smaller lamb crops, difficult lambing conditions, and variable grass growth. These supply pressures highlight why Irish lamb prices and throughput will remain closely watched by wholesalers, caterers, and processors throughout 2025.
