Hoggets that are well fleshed have seen the best price increases.

Those over 50kg have seen prices improve by about €3 to €5/head.

Better-fleshed heavy hoggets are making from €115 to €118, with prices of up to €123 being paid for small numbers at the top of the market.

Factory agent activity has driven hogget prices. Hoggets from 45kg to 48kg are selling mainly from €104 to €110/head for average types; up about €5/head. Better-conformed and well-fleshed types sold for over €113/head, up €3 to €4 on last week.

Those lacking flesh have seen prices lift also, but not to the same extent, with prices up just a few euro.

The positivity has filtered down into the store market also, with small increases seen across the board. Hoggets from 37kg to 42kg are selling mainly from €85 to €94/head. Those from 34kg to 37kg are selling mainly from €77 to €88/head, an increase of about €3 to €4/head. Light store hoggets are a little steadier than last week in price terms. Demand is strong and prices of those from 30kg to 35kg are ranging mainly from €74 to €78/head.

The cull ewe trade has improved slightly, with culls averaging from €100 to €105/head in many areas. Those carrying less flesh are making from €80 to €95/head, while better-quality types are selling from €110 to €115/head and up to €130/head in some sales.