It looks like we are finally turning the corner when it comes to hogget prices after weeks of little or no movement.
This time last year, farmers were securing prices over €6.00/kg for hoggets, more than 50c/kg ahead of current prices. On top of this, numbers of hoggets killed on a weekly basis has been significantly lower. So far this year, there have been 94,375 less hoggets killed compared with the same period in 2018. With this in mind, it is quite understandable that farmers feel short-changed this spring. Normally, tight supplies lead to strong prices.
However, the one big difference to be aware of between this year and last year is when Easter falls. In 2018, Easter Sunday was on 1 April. This year it is three weeks later, falling on 21 April.
Farmers are securing €5.40/kg to €5.50/kg for their hoggets. Some producers groups and large feeders have negotiated up to €5.55/kg for hoggets, which was very difficult to achieve last week. Weight limits are being toyed with now and again to sweeten deals, varying between 23kg to 23.5kg.
It is starting to become more apparent that agents are becoming anxious for hoggets. Some small increases in average prices for fleshed lots were seen in mart sales this week.
With Easter looming, farmers will be holding out for better prices. However, it is important that hoggets are drafted as they come fit, because many factories are implementing severe cuts to reduce their exposure to overweight animals.
Quotes
Kepak has increased its quote by 10c/kg to a base of €5.10/kg (plus 15c Quality Assurance (QA)). Kildare Chilling is holding steady at €5.20/kg (plus 10c QA) and ICM has not quoted.
Small numbers of spring lambs are starting to be slaughtered. There is a big variation in quotes starting off, with Irish Country Meats quoting a base of €6/kg and Moyvalley on an all-in quote of €7.00/kg.
IFA national sheep chair Sean Dennehy said quality hoggets are very scarce and farmers with well selected stock are in a strong position to get more on both price and weight.
NI
In the North, hogget prices are a massive 85p/kg behind where they were in 2018. Current quotes range from £4.15/kg to £4.20/kg (equivalent of €5.14/kg to €5.20/kg including VAT).
Cull ewes
There has been some positive movement in the quotes for cull ewes. Kepak increased its quote by a massive 20c/kg to a base of €2.80/kg. Kildare Chilling has also increased its quote by 10c/kg to €2.80/kg. Farmers are pushing for prices of €2.80/kg to €3.00/kg and are being paid to 40kg to 45kg.
Read more
SheepWatch: trade starting to liven up
Northern view: steady trade for prime cattle but hogget prices rising
It looks like we are finally turning the corner when it comes to hogget prices after weeks of little or no movement.
This time last year, farmers were securing prices over €6.00/kg for hoggets, more than 50c/kg ahead of current prices. On top of this, numbers of hoggets killed on a weekly basis has been significantly lower. So far this year, there have been 94,375 less hoggets killed compared with the same period in 2018. With this in mind, it is quite understandable that farmers feel short-changed this spring. Normally, tight supplies lead to strong prices.
However, the one big difference to be aware of between this year and last year is when Easter falls. In 2018, Easter Sunday was on 1 April. This year it is three weeks later, falling on 21 April.
Farmers are securing €5.40/kg to €5.50/kg for their hoggets. Some producers groups and large feeders have negotiated up to €5.55/kg for hoggets, which was very difficult to achieve last week. Weight limits are being toyed with now and again to sweeten deals, varying between 23kg to 23.5kg.
It is starting to become more apparent that agents are becoming anxious for hoggets. Some small increases in average prices for fleshed lots were seen in mart sales this week.
With Easter looming, farmers will be holding out for better prices. However, it is important that hoggets are drafted as they come fit, because many factories are implementing severe cuts to reduce their exposure to overweight animals.
Quotes
Kepak has increased its quote by 10c/kg to a base of €5.10/kg (plus 15c Quality Assurance (QA)). Kildare Chilling is holding steady at €5.20/kg (plus 10c QA) and ICM has not quoted.
Small numbers of spring lambs are starting to be slaughtered. There is a big variation in quotes starting off, with Irish Country Meats quoting a base of €6/kg and Moyvalley on an all-in quote of €7.00/kg.
IFA national sheep chair Sean Dennehy said quality hoggets are very scarce and farmers with well selected stock are in a strong position to get more on both price and weight.
NI
In the North, hogget prices are a massive 85p/kg behind where they were in 2018. Current quotes range from £4.15/kg to £4.20/kg (equivalent of €5.14/kg to €5.20/kg including VAT).
Cull ewes
There has been some positive movement in the quotes for cull ewes. Kepak increased its quote by a massive 20c/kg to a base of €2.80/kg. Kildare Chilling has also increased its quote by 10c/kg to €2.80/kg. Farmers are pushing for prices of €2.80/kg to €3.00/kg and are being paid to 40kg to 45kg.
Read more
SheepWatch: trade starting to liven up
Northern view: steady trade for prime cattle but hogget prices rising
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