We have come through another week of steady hogget prices in the factories. Prices paid remain unchanged at €4.70/kg to €4.75/kg up to 22kg, with some farmers securing higher weight limits of 22.5kg and 23kg.

In most cases, there is a 10c/kg deferential paid between quality assured and non-quality assured lambs.

Producer groups and specialised large feeders have had greater levels of success securing higher prices, with €4.80/kg to €4.85/kg including bonuses paid this week.

Some producer groups managed to increase base quotes by a couple of cent on last week, which sends out some positive vibes on the trade.

Base quotes in Kildare Chilling increased by 5c/kg to a base of €4.60/kg, while the remaining export plants did not move on their quotes.

Supplies of hoggets remain strong, continuing the trend set last year. Last week, the kill was 41,050 head, although this kill represents a reduction of 1,172 on the corresponding week in 2016.

Looking back at 2016, sheep throughput increased by 3% to 2.67m head and provided the platform for a further 3% increase in export volumes, with the total volume of sheep meat exported rising 1,470t to 49,000t. However, prices eased by 1c/kg. On page 36, Darren Carty looks back on throughput and export volumes in 2016 and goes through the reasons prices eased last year.

The weights and fat cover of hoggets is causing frustration for factory agents. They say when hoggets arrive out of spec, it really reduces the number of outlets available for sale.

They are urging farmers to draft lambs regularly and monitor flesh cover. The advice for farmers feeding outdoors is to house lambs overnight before slaughter to help ensure fleeces are dry.

IFA national sheep committee chair John Lynskey said the lamb trade is steady at €4.75/kg, but feeders need a price lift to cover the additional costs of feeding hoggets this winter.

Cull ewes

There seems to be a bounce in demand for cull ewes, with farmers being paid €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg. This rise is being reflected through increasing factory quotes of 5c/kg to 10c/kg this week.

Both Kildare Chilling and Irish Country Meats increased their quotes by 10c/kg to a base of €2.40/kg.

Kepak Athleague increased quotes by 5c/kg to a base of €2.45/kg and Ballon Meats lead with a quote of €2.50/kg.