There has been a price lift in the marts at long last. Finished hogget prices are up €3 to €5/head and factory agents are keen for numbers. The price rise in the marts is reflective of the recent increase in factory quotes, which is very much welcome news to hogget finishers.

This is the first real price rise for hoggets this year. Finishers have had to contend with extremely poor margins this winter, with prices back 13% to 14% on the same period last year.

Factory-fit hoggets weighing 46kg to 49kg are selling from €98 to €108/head, or €52 to €59 over the weight. Heavier hoggets weighing 50kg-plus are selling from €104 to €115/head. Store hogget prices have also picked up in sales on the back of improved finished hogget prices.

Stores weighing 34kg to 38kg are selling for €75 to €94/head, or €41 to €56 over. Heavier short-keep stores weighing 40kg to 44kg are selling from €90 to €98/head.

In general, mart managers described the trade for hoggets as brisk this week, with more positivity around sales and more competition between wholesalers, butchers and factory agents.

Cull ewe prices have also seen a big rise in demand, with buyers keen for heavy fleshed ewes. Medium-sized fleshed ewes are making €90 to €110/head. Larger-framed ewes are selling for €112 to €120/head. There have been reports of higher prices paid exceeding €125/head. Feeding ewes are selling for €60 to €85/head.

In-lamb ewes are selling from €135 to €190/head for ewes scanned carrying two lambs – the age of ewes sold is reflected in the range in prices. Ewes with single lambs at foot are selling from €140 to €185/head. Ewes with twin lambs at foot are selling from €200 to €270 per unit.

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