The sheep trade is solid, but heavy snowfall is set to greatly disrupt processing.

Kildare Chilling and Moyvalley Meats have already made a decision to cease processing on Thursday and Friday, while ICM and Ballon Meats are closely monitoring weather and travelling conditions. The same can be said for Kepak Athleague and Dawn Ballyhaunis, who, on Wednesday afternoon, look set to kill on Thursday, but are unsure about Friday.

The advice is to contact your procurement agent for the latest update before moving stock.

The trade remains solid, with quotes increasing in three plants. Dawn Ballyhaunis and Ballon Meats have increased their quote by 10c/kg to €5.40/kg, while Moyvalley Meats have increased their all-in quote by 20c/kg to €5.50/kg.

Kepak Athleague, Kildare Chilling and ICM are unchanged at respective base quotes of €5.45/kg, €5.40/kg and €5.30/kg.

A high percentage of hoggets are trading from €5.50/kg to €5.60/kg, with sellers trading at the higher end of the market securing up to €5.70/kg or higher where bonus payments are included.

Northern sheep remain an important source of throughput, with the number of sheep imported south last week for direct slaughter increasing 510 head to 10,036.

Imports south have been running well ahead of 2017 levels (8,046 same week in 2017), with total imports 10,088 head higher at 76,578.

Northern plants have also been working harder to boost throughput. An increase in prices paid is helping to secure higher numbers, with last week’s hogget kill rising 361 head to 6,141. Quotes range in general from £4.50/kg to £4.55/kg, which at 88p to the euro is equivalent to €5.11/kg to €5.17/kg or €5.38/kg to €5.45/kg including 5.4% VAT.

Producers with good numbers on hand and greater negotiating power are securing top prices of £4.60/kg to £4.65/kg (€5.51/kg to €5.57/kg).

The British trade continues to surge upwards. The Livestock Meat Commission’s weekly price review shows last week’s average British hogget price at £4.86/kg (€5.82/kg), which is an increase of 25p/kg on the week previous.

The trade for ewes is robust, with plants anxious to maximise throughput. Most plants are quoting €2.90/kg, with Ballon and Kepak out in front on a quote of €3.00/kg. Those with good selling power are securing €3.15/kg to €3.20/kg, with reports of prices at the top end of the market rising to €3.25/kg to €3.30/kg for light ewes or where ewes are offered as part of a large consignment of hoggets.

The mart trade is solid and remains a good alternative for sellers with small numbers struggling to negotiate on price.

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