Early lamb finishing key to better returns

A recent study found the poor prices in 2007 corresponded with high levels of late spring slaughterings and farmers are being advised to learn the lessons when planning finishing this winter.

The 2007 results are in contrast to spring this year, where slaughterings more in line with the seasonal average saw prices climb to an all time high of just under 400p/kg dwt.

“While the level of late spring marketings was not the only reason for the very much better returns of 2008, it clearly played a valuable part in ensuring a more favourable supply/demand balance,” said Eblex sheep scientist Dr Liz Genever.

“It invariably pays to market lambs when they are ready rather than holding on to them too long. Especially so with the poorer prices almost always paid for heavy lambs and the far greater year-on-year price variations generally seen in the late spring.

“The value of spreading the finishing period by buying different types and weights of stock should not be under-estimated either, both in maintaining income flow and in minimising the risk from short-term market fluctuations.”

Eblex is now advising producers to plan finishing to make sure they follow this year’s example and get store lambs away earlier.