BY TOMMY NETHERY

THE old adage 'every cloud has a silver lining' certainly rang true with local sheep farmers this week and last as they reaped the benefits of the recent foot and mouth outbreak at Egham.

The outbreak – the second discovery in as many months – of the dreaded disease in Britain meant all exports of animals were halted.

Traditionally British lambs are bought to supply the market in France but when this source dried up, French buyers turned to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to address the shortfall.

Last week deadweight quotes for lambs at all the major factories increased significantly by 50p/kg and that hike in prices was reflected in many markets around Tyrone.

In most cases lambs were up by £10 a head and this price level is expected to remain in place for the remainder of the week.

On Monday morning most factories, including Dungannon Meats, were standing on at £2.70/kg. How long the increase remains in place will depend on the length of time it takes for veterinary experts in England to give the industry a clean bill of health following the recent scare.