Prospects of an increase in hogget prices are on a knife edge. Agents have been more active in mart sales ahead of next week’s Islamic religious festival of Ramadan with prices firming by €1 to €2/head in some sales. Regular sellers and those handling large numbers have had some success in securing 10c/kg extra, or a price of €7.90/kg. However, the increase has been inconsistent and quotes for quality assured hoggets for Thursday remain unchanged at €7.60/kg to €7.70/kg, with groups and sellers with more negotiating power paid €7.80/kg on average. In contrast, prices in Northern Ireland have increased by 10p/kg to 20p/kg on Thursday and range from £6.50/kg to £6.60/kg (€7.50/kg to €7.61/kg ex-VAT). Demand has been boosted by more life in Britain ahead of Ramadan.

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