ICSA Sheep chair Sean McNamara has said sheep farmers are furious following the move by processors to slash lamb prices this week. “Wiping 70c/kg off the price of spring lamb in one fell swoop is an absolute disgrace. Sheep farmers are relying on prices to stay at a reasonable level to have any chance of coping with input costs that have now reached eye-watering levels. Processors know this, and what’s more consumers know this; food cannot be produced for half nothing,” he said.

“Unjustified price cuts like these are a shameless way to treat primary producers who are doing their level best to keep their heads above water. Processors should be doing everything in their power to protect the livelihoods of their suppliers, not drive them to the wall. I cannot see how sheep farmers will be able to maintain production and keep up the level of supplies the factories are looking for.”

Mr McNamara said farmers should continue to look to the marts when selling where possible. “With the EID-al-Adha festival coming up exporters are buying in the marts so that’s likely the best bet for any ram lambs 44kg and above.”