The latest Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) sheep market price report shows hogget prices falling by 25p/kg in the last week to average £6.88/kg.
This is the equivalent of €7.94/kg at Friday evening’s exchange rate of 86.7p to the euro.
The easing in the trade leaves prices running 43p/kg (48c/kg) behind the corresponding week in 2025. The AHDB suggests that subdued demand from the domestic and export markets is responsible for the price reduction, with supplies currently trending ahead of demand.
The estimated slaughter for the week ending 24 January was recorded at 196,000 head. This equates to a reduction of 21,000 head on the previous week, with the kill 4,000 head lower than the corresponding week in 2025.
Weather disruption
It adds that market reports suggest that recent wet weather is causing disruption to normal marketing patterns.
Prices also eased in the live ring, with hogget returns down 5p/kg. This follows a 16p/kg reduction in the previous week.
Mart throughput also fell sharply, reducing by 18%, or 42,000 head, on the week previous and running a similar figure lower than in 2025.
Cull ewe prices eased slightly, but lower throughput is helping to keep a floor under the trade, with prices averaging at £128.60/head.
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