Flush of autumn lifts lamb values

A strong flush of autumn grass in many areas is encouraging store lamb buyers to fast-track lambs for finishing.

This, coupled with a small lift in prime lamb values, is lifting the trade to unexpected levels.

Prime lambs have been fetching 106p-107p/kg in the markets. Although prices dipped slightly at some centres this week as more animals came forward, auctioneers say that isn’t likely to put the brakes on the demand for store lambs.

They believe vendors will return to the store market for more lambs to keep up with lush pasture growth.

A large-scale midlands store lamb finisher said he had been paying more for lambs than he expected, but was hedging his bets and buying sheep for both long and short keep.

“I bought some Texel-cross lambs this time last year at £38 apiece and they didn’t leave me much. I’ve just bought lambs from the same man – and not as good as last year – and they’ve cost me £39,” he said.

The farmer’s reluctance to be identified reflects the nervousness surrounding the trade as buyers prepare to spend at major sales in the coming weeks.

Cumbria auctioneer Stuart Bell from Harrison and Hetherington said: “There’s plenty of takers looking for sheep that will give them a return in eight weeks.”

Typical prices at Cumbria markets put the most wanted Continental-sired lambs (35-38kg) at 110p/kg, with Mules at about 100p. Finishers looking to put 5kg a head on to these lambs and selling at 110p should see a £10 margin before costs.

Midlands auctioneer Alastair Sneddon from Bagshaws said his latest sale of 5500 store lambs had averaged £36.68 a head compared with £34.92 last year.