There has been an increase in sheep trade this week, with base prices for hoggets increasing by 10c/kg leaving quotes ranging from €6.85/kg up to €7.05/kg. Irish Country Meats is on base of €6.85/kg plus a 10c/kg quality assurance (QA) bonus for hoggets, while Kildare Chilling has moved up to a base of €7.00/kg plus a 10c/kg QA bonus for hoggets. Producer groups are securing prices of up to €7.40/kg with reports indicating prices of 5-10c/kg above this also being secured for hoggets.
The cull ewe trade has also seen an increase with prices now at €4.00/kg. Base prices for ewes are ranging from €3.60/kg up to €3.80/kg. Quotes for spring lambs are now appearing across the board with a wide variation between factories opening for spring lambs.
Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association sheep chair, Sean McNamara says that sheep trade prices are on the up again with up to €7.50/kg being secured for hoggets. “It’s another positive start to the week with prices on the rise again, hoggets are making €7.30-7.40/kg with up to €7.50/kg being secured”, states McNamara. With supplies continuing to tighten and with key dates coming up, demand is expected to strengthen and see prices continue to rise.
He adds that “cull ewes are hitting up against €4.00/kg, with the small number of spring lambs appearing making up to €8.00/kg.”