Following a sustained fall in lamb prices during 2012, Ulster Farmers’ Union President Harry Sinclair says a rise in farm gate prices for sheep farmers is urgently needed.
Harry Sinclair said; “2012 was a very difficult year for local lamb producers who have struggled to obtain any increase in price. The lower prices being paid for quality lamb have squeezed producer margins whilst the increase in input costs and the effects of a poor summer has made the finishing of lambs more difficult and expensive.”
“Lamb prices have been wavering around and even well below 330p/kg and according to Livestock Meat Commission (LMC) figures, quotes are down £1 per/kg on last year. This is a very significant 24% reduction in income for many lamb producers compared to this time last year. An increase in throughput has been blamed for the reduction in price along with the supply chain failing to react to the rise in input costs. Processors and retailers need to accept responsibility for ensuring prices paid to producers are fair and reflect the current challenges which farmers are facing. Otherwise they can not expect an ongoing sustainable supply of locally produced lamb.”
Harry Sinclair concluded; “The UFU will be continuing with its campaign to address the dysfunction which exists in the supply chain across all sectors. In the meantime my advice to producers is to take matters into their own hands and market their lamb strongly, ensuring that they are exploring all available options in the marketplace.”
