There is a large variation creeping into hogget prices paid to farmers, with sellers having varying levels of success dealing with factory agents.

Some farmers trading small numbers of hoggets are being offered low prices of €5.30/kg to €5.40/kg. On the other hand, larger feeders and producer groups with greater bargaining power are still securing prices anywhere from €5.50/kg to €5.70/kg.

These prices, both high and low, show a large gap between what is being paid and the official quotes coming from the large export plants.

Both Kepak and ICM are on a base of €5.00/kg for hoggets excluding bonus payments.

Kildare Chilling failed to quote for hoggets again this week. Factories are likely trying to gain some ground after a period of strong prices.

Historically, the week after the long Easter weekend is usually dull when it comes to sheep prices. One factory agent described it as the post-Easter blues.

Thankfully, this year we have Ramadan to look forward to which should breathe a little more life into the trade and reverse any cuts being imposed.

Ramadan is starting on 5 May this year. Numbers of hoggets coming on stream seems to be holding reasonably strong, with 41,424 head slaughtered last week.

As expected, spring lamb numbers took a dive last week

From what we are hearing from factory agents, the quality of hoggets being marketed is deteriorating, with large numbers being sold well above favoured weights.

As expected, spring lamb numbers took a dive last week. In total 4,712 lambs were slaughtered, down 1,848 head on the week previous.

The main reason for the reduction was most likely farmers gearing to market their lambs in time for Easter buying.

Farmers are securing €6.40/kg to €6.50/kg in the main for lambs, with some agents trying to purchase small numbers at lower prices of €6.20/kg to €6.30/kg.

The situation is similar to the hogget trade. IFA National Sheep committee chair Sean Dennehy has criticised factory attempts to undermine sheep prices.

He said farmers should not be misled by the unjustified negativity from factories on price and reject the lower quoted prices.

He said strong buying for the upcoming Ramadan festival is driving demand, with factories anxious for lambs and hoggets over the coming days.

NI

In the north, hoggets are generally making £4.45/kg (equivalent of €5.44/kg) and spring lambs are making £4.85/kg (equivalent of €5.93 including VAT at 5.4%).

Cull ewes

Cull ewe prices are holding steady, with factories standing on with last week’s quotes.

The quotes range from €2.70/kg to €2.90/kg, with Ballon Meats continuing to lead on the quote table. Farmers are securing higher prices of €3/kg and more in some cases.