Sheep sales suffer crisis of confidence

Sheep sales are being held around the country this week as auctioneers attempt to make up the backlog of sales cancelled sue to foot and mouth restrictions.

However, ongoing export difficulties have decimated the prime lamb trade, leading to a near collapse in confidence in the sheep sector. As a result buyers have been cautious when bidding for breeding sheep, with many sales reporting prices significantly back on the year.

Last Friday’s Lleyn sale at Exeter saw shearling ewes and ewe lambs £20 back on 2006 prices and this has been the common tale from every sale so far. Worst trade of all appears to be the rams with Sunday’s Builth sale heavily hit.

For more sales reports and news see our Taking Stock blog.