We are finally seeing more life in the hogget trade in the marts as Easter approaches.

Easter Sunday is just a little over two weeks away now and the trade for hoggets is expected to continue to rise as a result.

Prices in sales have risen by €2 to €3/head compared with last week’s returns. Fleshed hoggets weighing 48kg to 50kg are now making €117 to €124/head in the main. Prices for hoggets weighing over 50kg are variable, with factory agents reluctant to go too far for very heavy hoggets. These hoggets are selling from €124/head up to €130/head. Prices above €130/head are a little harder to come by.

Spring lambs have been slow to appear in sales. A small number of 43kg spring lambs made €125/head in Kilkenny Mart on Monday.

Ewes and lambs

In-lamb ewes being presented for sale are slackening off significantly now. There are still good numbers of ewes with lambs at foot. Ewes with one lamb are selling from €150 to €180 per unit. Ewes with two lambs are selling from €200 to €275, while older ewes with two lambs are selling at a base of €180 per unit.

Cull ewe sales have livened up substantially in recent weeks on the back of better prices available in factories. Large-framed fleshed ewes are making up to €140/head, with prices for these ewes up €3 to €5/head. Prices for medium-sized ewes are ranging from €118 to €125/head. Prices for feeding ewes in general are starting from €70 upwards.