Why does lamb cost so much?

Any

The only thing we eat and I really know how to cook from a lamb are lamb chops and lamb shanks, and I find them very expensive.
(I come from a country where lamb is not popular meat at all)

4 tiny little lamb chops, 1/3 of it bone don't usually go for under £4. and that is 4 bites of meat per person (2 per person). These are 300g for £4 and that is including bone!http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=277005657
And that is the cheapest..

Where I can get Pork loin steaks or pork chops 600gr for £4!! http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=266567136

What I don't understand is - if farmers get nothing for their produce when they sell on to supermarkets, why don't they do themselves a favour and custom and sell their produce direct for at least the same price of supermarket, rather then double??
I rarely buy from farmers markets, our local farm or the few farmers standing in the field behind the village.. They all call themselves "organic" "specially fed" "local produce" and God knows what else and to afford one of their chops I would have to go veggie for 6 days a week!!

System

LizEstelle wrote: »

Anybody else here think lamb is the best meat going?

I do. Its my favourite meat.:D

ViksB

Buying direct from farmers are your best bet. Half a lamb (or pig) can be bought relatively cheaply all butchered up, you obviously have to eat all of the lamb not just the leg, but you soon realise that the other joints are often nicer anyway.

Edit
By buying direct from the farmer, the farmer gets a little more money and the supermarket gets nothing and you get (often) better lamb and a better price.

Lilyplonk

To have a 'Lamb Meal' doesn't necessarily mean you have to roast/grill it - those are the MOST EXPENSIVE ways to cook/serve Lamb.

I buy 'Asda SmartPrice Lamb Pieces' (irregular off-cuts) and cook them in the Slow Cooker with veggies and dumplings for the tastiest Lamb Stew/Casserole.