Lamb prices weaken slightly at Salisbury market

Ringside at Salisbury livestock market, Wiltshire. Another very large entry of 916 sheep caused prices to weaken slightly at Tuesday’s (19 July) sale.

However, trade was still very good for the best lambs and slightly ahead of national averages, said auctioneer Simon Whaley. Standard weights sold to 201.4p/kg and averaged 185.3p/kg, with medium weights settling at 180.8p/kg and heavyweights at 187.4p/kg.

A near record number of 420 cull ewes and rams sold to another excellent trade, with best sorts up by £5 on the week, to top at £125 a head. A greater number of plain ewes brought forward dragged the overall average down to £83.88.

A mixed quality pig entry of 185 head sold to £70 for stores, with weaners up to £26 a head.