Selecting The Right Lambs For The Market

Better Returns are made by targeting lambs to the most suitable market specification.  The three main outlets are Supermarkets, Local Butchers and Export.  All three outlets broadly require a consistent supply of lambs that are the right weight, with good conformation and not over fat.

Typical Specifications are:

How To Hit The Commercial Specification

1.  Know your market - monitoring prices, understanding market specifications and the EUROP payment grid, be aware of seasonal variation.
2.  Weigh lambs regularly  - to ensure they are sold within the buyers specification
3.  Handle frequently to assess fat cover and conformation.
4.  Batch the lambs - best returns are from even batches.

Good Selection Pays

1.  The current typical deadweight price premium for a R3L lamb carcase over a R4H is 30p/kg deadweight or £6 for a 20kg lamb.
2.  Butchers know that the right lamb is worth as much as £10 more on their counters,  compared with a poor one.
3.  Good selection avoids deductions, discounts and even rejections -; for example, there can be deductions of 10p -; 50p/kg, or £10/lamb, for lambs of varying fat levels.
4.  Regular weighing ensures you steer clear of sending overweight lambs to abattoirs, where normally there is no payment for weight above 21kg.
5.  By knowing when your lambs meet the buyer’s specification, you avoid the feed and other costs of keeping market-ready lambs on the farm.
6.  Selling in even batches avoids the prices of best lambs in mixed lots being depressed by the quality of the worst.

Lamb Selection Training Days

Held in abattoirs across England, these practical hands-on events enable producers to handle live lambs under the guidance of trained staff from MLC Commercial Services and then view and assess the same lambs as carcases.  Subjects covered include the EUROP classification grid, factors affecting killing out percentages and understanding dressing specifications.  These events are for a maximum of 12 people.  All training materials and a light lunch will be provided.  To find out about events in your area, or to reserve a place please call Hellen or Sandra on 0870 609 1840 or email brpevents@eblex.org.uk

BRP Literature available on this subject

PDF’s can be downloaded by clicking on the links below.  Alternatively, order hard copies from brp@eblex.org.uk

Manual 1: Target Lamb Selection for Better Returns
Action For Profit No 14:  Better Returns From Effective Sheep Handling
DVD: Making £££ with Better Returns (order by email)