Lamb prices supported into Easter
Liveweight
In-line with seasonal trends, the average GB liveweight old season lamb (OSL) price saw month-on-month (MOM) increases, averaging 257.5p/kg, with prices in March up 9.9% (23.2p/kg) on those for February. However, this was 6.0p/kg (-2.3%) lower than the same month last year, driven by the lower prices at the start of March. Prices in the weeks following 18 March saw year-on-year (YOY) rises and peaked at 306.6p/kg (w/e 15 April) following the Easter period, although they slightly declined in the following week (w/e 22 April).
Total throughputs of old and new season lambs (NSLs) came to 511,400 head for March, significantly higher (22.6%, 94,400 head) than February’s total throughputs. March’s throughputs also saw a 9.8% (45,800 head) rise on year-earlier levels. Year-to-date (YTD), total throughputs are up 3.4% (58,800 head) YOY at 1.79 million head (w/e 22 April).
Deadweight
The average GB deadweight OSL price saw large support in March as prices rose by 78.5p/kg, to 583.1p/kg (week ending 01 April).
Prices were 7p/kg higher YOY despite production* rising by 15.2% (3,800 tonnes) YOY in March 2023, and totalling 28,500 tonnes. Production has ramped up in March compared to the first two months of 2023, with YTD production totalling 72,200 tonnes.
Tom Price | AHDB
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