This weeks’ sale of Cheviot wether and ewe lambs at Lairg in Scotland, conducted by United Auctions, saw strong prices paid for male lambs, but ewe lamb prices were significantly back on last year.

Tuesday’s sale – which is among the largest one-day sheep sales held anywhere in Europe and an important indicator of store lamb trade in Scotland for the rest of 2019 – saw 13,118 lambs sold, up 400 on last year.

In total, 9,644 wethers sold for an average of £52.07/head, which was up 96p on the year. However, the prices paid for 3,474 ewe lambs were down £17.03/head to average £59.51.

Last year, many farmers were paying close to £100/head for ewe lambs, with the plan to run them on as gimmers, however this year’s gimmer sales were a poor trade, leaving many farmers out of pocket.

As a result, the mood among buyers was that they wouldn’t pay more than a good store price for ewe lambs to ensure if the subsequent gimmer trade was poor, selling them fat was a financial option.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, United Auctions auctioneer Donald Young said that given the uncertainty in the industry at present, sheep were, in general, a good trade.

“Anything with strength was making £55-£62/head for short keep. However, smaller lambs for finishing in the new year had fewer people after them.”

Commenting after the sale, Cheviot sheep farmer and NFU Scotland less favoured areas chair Robert Macdonald said the trade was better than many had expected.

“The ewe lambs were hit, but we knew this was coming as those making gimmers took a knock this year. I think there were a few buyers switching from buying cattle to sheep due to the poor beef trade at the moment.

“We also have to remember these men and women round the ring bidding were brave, as they don’t know what they will get for these lambs with Brexit. It shows that farmers are gamblers,” he told the Irish Farmers Journal.

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