Target the right lamb market

Each market has different requirements. Find out how to identify and target the market(s) looking for the type of carcase you can produce consistently and at a profit.

Identify your potential market and customer first and then produce animals to suit their specific needs.

The typical specifications are subject to seasonal and regional variations, but most deadweight markets pay up to 21.5 kg.

Table 1. Typical target requirements for different markets

Note: There is very little demand for conformation P, fat class 4H and 5. Animals of these classifications will be traded at discount prices.

Some producers prefer the competitive nature of selling live animals through an auction ring while some prefer selling through a marketing group that can offer independent advice on the best outlets.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Demand varies from country to country in terms of carcase selection, choice of cuts and halal slaughter.

Take extra care when targeting export markets, as adverse currency fluctuations outside your control can quickly erode any potential financial advantages over selling into domestic markets.

Standards dictate that sheep being sold as mutton must:

• Be over two years old
• Have a given amount of fat cover (3L/3H)
• Be matured post slaughter for at least two weeks

The halal market is an important sector for mutton as much of the product produced by UK farmers is consumed by this market.

As prices fluctuate depending on the season, it is important to plan ahead.

Target an ideal time for selling based on expected feed, labour availability and market prices, then work backwards to decide the best time to lamb.

Regular handling and weighing, flock monitoring and good feed management will bring lambs forward to the standard that will suit buyers’ needs more precisely.

Don’t keep lambs any longer than is necessary – each day they stay on the farm costs money but may not yield any greater financial return.