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The hogget trade has been challenging to say the least in recent weeks. There are some signs of an upward lift in demand and price, but producers need to be careful not to buy into a false economy of holding slaughter-fit hoggets in the hope of a significant price rise. The implications of doing such could be very negative on price if it results in hoggets exceeding upper weight limits (above paid carcase weight limits) now being imposed by some plants, and results in a lower maximum price and a few euros being taken off the value they may have realised if drafted at the appropriate weight.
Holding slaughter-fit hoggets that are eating ad-lib meals will also not cover the cost of feeding at the current rate of prices increasing. Weigh regularly and make decisions that suit your circumstances best.
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