Scottish lamb producers are enjoying a strong start to the year with auction prices running significantly above 2019 levels.
“The trade is certainly very strong at present with prices currently running at 225-230p/kg,” said George Purves, managing director at United Auctions, which operates a network of markets across Scotland. “That compares with 185p/kg at this time last year.”
While the January/February trade in 2019 was no better than “very average” in comparison to previous years, current values represent a substantial step up for producers when judged on a long-term basis.
“It’s all down to supply and demand, with many producers continuing to sell hard last year as the Brexit process was running its course,” said Mr Purves.
“That was also on the back of what was generally viewed as an early lamb year, due to weather conditions, and a reduction in supplies in England.
“As a result, numbers are currently tight and the prices we have today are certainly reflecting that.”
Paul Spencer, executive sales director with Dingwall Mart, reported a similar upturn in values, quoting a sale average of 235p/kg for just under 1,000 lambs sold through in Dingwall on Tuesday.
“That’s the dearest we’ve had at this time of the year for many, many years,” he said, adding that prices were definitely being driven by a scarcity in numbers.
“There was a lot of grass available in late summer last year and running through into the autumn.
“This allowed a lot of single lambs to be marketed straight off the grass, catching the trade early on without the need for additional feeding.”
With a long time still to go until new lamb supplies become available, the indications are that supplies will also remain tight going forward, with a percentage of lambs already having been marketed much earlier than planned.
At the same time, many traditional March and April sellers are reported to be staying patient at present with the Easter trade still to look forward to.
