Hogget prices have taken an upward turn after the Easter break. Increased throughput at meat plants and in the marts in early April saw hogget prices ease back from their peak of €6.40/kg to €6/kg last week.

But this week has seen the trade strengthen as supplies tighten again. Prices increased to a top of €6.15/kg for hoggets. Spring lamb is holding at €6.50/kg this week but throughput numbers are well short of the same period last year.

The fact that hogget prices are running 50c/kg to 60c/kg ahead of last year shows how short of sheep the processors are. Spring lamb prices are running 30c/kg ahead of the same week last year also.

Ewes are holding their own, with good quality factory fit ewes continuing to make between €2.80/kg and €2.90/kg. There are reports of an occasional €3/kg for select lots of young fleshed continental ewes.