The hogget trade continues to defy all expectations with prices rising by another 20c/kg to 30c/kg in the last week. Many producers had anticipated prices might rise to €7/kg and steady there for a period but prices at the top of the market have surpassed this level.
Some specialist producers and agents handling very large numbers are reported as securing prices of €7.10/kg to €7.20/kg while others are moving hoggets in the region of €7/kg but receiving the equivalent of €7.10/kg to €7.15/kg when allowances on transport costs are factored into the equation.
At the opposite end of the market, sellers handling smaller numbers and possessing lower negotiating power are being offered prices of €6.80/kg to €6.90/kg with producers having more success in securing a price of €6.90/kg as the week progresses.
SHARING OPTIONS:
Lambs weighing 50kg to 55kg are selling in the region of €140 to €147, with choice lots exceeding this price.
The sheep trade has repeated the strong start to the week, with prices edging upwards by another 10c/kg to 15c/kg on average over the weekend.
The move means the opening price on offer in many factories is in the region of €6.10/kg to €6.20/kg.
It is important to highlight that there is a significant differential in prices being negotiated, with some deals still taking place in the region of €6.10/kg, while others range from €6.30/kg to €6.40/kg.
Sellers with low negotiating power and handling small numbers are receiving returns of €6/kg to €6.15/kg.