GB deadweight lamb trade drops back

Thursday, 29 April 2021

By Bronwyn Magee

GB deadweight lamb prices dropped back in the latest week. In the week ending 24 April, the GB deadweight OSL SQQ fell by 5.3p on the week to average 674.2p/kg. This brings the price to 210.4p above the same week last year. For new season lambs, the GB NSL SQQ stood at 686.6p/kg for the week, dropping 7.1p on the previous week.

Estimated slaughter stood at 153,900 head, down 3% (4,000 head) on the week before, and a notable 31% lower than the same week last year.

Looking further afield, GB deadweight prices have exceeded both French and German prices in recent weeks, with all series continuing to climb over the past month. This comes as supply remains tight both domestically and on the continent. Although, reports suggest we could see an increase in supplies on the continent soon, and demand continues to be challenged by COVID-19 restrictions. This indicates we could see GB prices drop back further in coming weeks.

Liveweight old season lamb prices have fallen again in last week. In the week ending 28 April, the GB OSL SQQ fell 12.43p to average 289.82p/kg. Prices remain high on the year, up 80.12p on the same week in 2020.

Total throughputs at British auction marts also declined for a second week, down 6% (5,300 head) to total 90,000 head. This follows an increase in trade seen at the start of Ramadan, with market reports suggesting some producers may hold off trade until it finishes.  

On the other hand, new season lambs enjoyed price gains in the latest week, with the GB NSL SQQ lifting 9.34p to average 347.60p/kg. New season lambs accounted for 21% of throughput at auction marts in the latest week. 


Sign up for regular updates

You can subscribe to receive Beef and Lamb market news straight to your inbox. Simply fill in your contact details on our online form.

Visit the Keep in touch page

While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.

All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk  © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved. 

Topics:

Sectors:

Tags:

×