After weeks of upward momentum in the sheep trade, hogget prices have stabilised, with plenty of bite remaining in the trade. Sellers with small numbers or tail-end, mixed-quality lots are securing €5.65/kg to €5.70/kg, while sellers handling greater numbers are negotiating €5.80/kg at the higher end of the market.

Producer groups are achieving higher by means of group bonuses, with prices rising by 5c/kg to 10c/kg. Specialised finishers with large numbers on hand also have greater negotiating power and are reported as securing €5.85/kg to 23kg carcase weight.

Processors continue to report a wide differential in quality. Heavy rainfall has revisited presentation issues with soiled fleeces, while under-fleshed lambs continue to create marketing difficulties. One plant in the west is also taking moves to reduce the number of excessively heavy carcases it is receiving.

Kepak Athleague has introduced an upper payment limit of 23kg carcase weight, plus a reduction in price for producers delivering very heavy hoggets weighing in excess of 27kg carcase weight.

The company says it has steady demand for lighter carcases, but is finding it increasingly difficult to deal with very heavy hoggets.

IFA national sheep committee chair John Lynskey said the lamb market continues to push on, with factories anxious for stock and top prices of €5.90/kg paid this week. He said the general run is €5.75/kg to €5.85/kg.

The northern trade remains under pressure, with reports indicating that plants continue to operate at lower throughput. Northern plants are quoting £4.00/kg (€5.40/kg including VAT).

Preliminary analysis for last week showing over 10,000 sheep continuing to move south for direct slaughter.

More bite for ewes

The ewe trade appears to have firmed in live sales, with agents prepared to compete stronger.

Quotes remain unchanged at €2.70/kg to €3.00/kg, with farmers handling higher numbers securing €3.20/kg and agents securing 5c/kg to 10c/kg higher.

New producer group

A new producer group called QualEUtex has been setup with the aim of rewarding producers using pedigree Beltex and Texel rams and producing U and E grade lambs.

The group is working with Kepak Athleague to market lambs for a niche Belgian contract.

Co-ordinator Donal Mee explains a base price will be negotiated weekly, with a bonus of 30c/kg for U grades and 35c/kg for E grades.

The current base price is €5.70/kg with a weight range of 16kg to 23kg.

Donal can be contacted on 086-225 4932 weekdays from 6pm to 8pm or at qualeutex@gmail.com.