Positives are few and far between in the sheep trade currently, but it is not all negative. The store hogget trade is holding well despite the poor market for finished lots. The cull ewe trade is also starting to improve after months of no change.

On the other hand, finished hogget prices remain in the doldrums. Factory-fit hoggets weighing 46kg to 49kg are by far the preferred option among factory agents and they are selling from €95 to €104/head. One mart manager commented: “Factory agents are competing for hoggets but their stopping point is at a far lower level than finishers would like.”

The heavy hogget trade is facing more difficulties, with factory agents less interested and the price point for heavy lots limited. This downward pressure is being intensified by factory weight limits and penalties for overweight hoggets.

Prices for heavy hoggets weighing 50kg-plus is very similar to factory weight lots at €100 to €104/head, with €105/head the line in the sand that is rarely crossed. The exception is where butchers are present who can add a bit more life to the trade.

Store hoggets are holding steady. Hoggets weighing 36kg to 40kg are selling for €80 to €90/head, with good-quality 30kg hoggets selling from €75/head. Fleshed cull ewes are selling from €90 to €125/head, with feeding ewes making €60 to €85/head. Young ewes with two lambs at foot are selling from €190 to €235/head and ewes with a single lamb at foot are making €160 to €200/head.

Peter Varley