Another factory price jump has had a very positive effect on the sheep trade. With hogget supplies still low and with better weather in recent days, the supply has dropped further. This has resulted in factory agents being a little more eager to secure numbers. The price increase on a per-head basis is running at €5 to €8 in some areas.

Hoggets over 50kg have seen prices improve by about €3 to €5/head again. Better-fleshed heavy hoggets are making from €118 to €125, with prices of up to €130 paid for small numbers at the top of the market.

Hoggets from 45kg to 48kg are selling mainly from €107 to €110/head for average types, up about €4/head. Better-conformed and well-fleshed types sold for over €120/head in recent days, up €5 to €7 on last week.

Lighter hoggets and those carrying a little less flesh have benefitted from the strong trade also. Hoggets from 37kg to 42kg are selling mainly from €97 to €103/head. Those from 34kg to 37kg are selling mainly from €84 to €90/head, an increase of about €3 to €6/head.

Light store hoggets have seen prices improve once again, as the strong sheep prices filter right down the trade. Lower numbers of stores on offer has also helped to boost prices. Demand is strong and prices of those from 30kg to 35kg are ranging mainly from €82 to €88/head.

The cull ewe trade has improved slightly, with culls averaging from €100 to €115/head in many areas. At the top of the market, well-fleshed culls are making up to €130/head and a little over in some areas. Those carrying less flesh are making from €80 to €100/head.