After the week-on-week rise in sheep prices over March, the trade is currently taking a breather ahead of the Easter market. Prices on offer today (Thursday) are €6/kg for hoggets as supplies have increased this week.

Spring lambs are being paid to €6.50/kg and numbers are increasing weekly. Ewes remain a good trade with prices of €2.70/kg to €3/kg still available.

Despite hogget prices easing back from their peak of €6.50/kg last week, they are still 40c to 50c/kg ahead of the same period last year approaching the Easter market. Spring lamb prices are similar to last year’s and ewes are currently running 30c to 40c/kg ahead of April 2013 levels.