Mart barometer for Mule gimmers

SHEEP DEALERS filling up order books for Mule gimmer lambs from this autumn‘s sales are getting a clear message from clients – cheaper than last year, please.

But next week‘s Bicester Sheep Fair (Aug 6) will provide a good barometer for the trade.

The venue will boast a bumper entry of 25,000 breeding sheep and some expect the autumn trade for North of England Mule gimmer lambs to ease £5-£10 a head on last year.

Running lambs could take the biggest hit and make little more than stores.

Despite this, the recent lift in prime lamb prices, plenty of grass available on empty dairy farms, lower grain prices and an unpredictable suckler beef sector could still make sheep look the safest bet.

Dumfriesshire farmer John Barker said a possible £10 a head fall in shearling values at Bicester could take £20 a head off running lambs.

“Tupping lambs may not be down as much, but farmers ordering for September want them £10 a head cheaper than last year – about £55 a head.

“But at these prices it is the perfect chance for farming‘s young entrepreneurs to get stuck in.”

Carlisle-based Harrison and Hetherington will sell about 100,000 Mule breeding sheep this autumn and auctioneer Stuart Bell is expecting a fair trade.

“If prime lamb prices hold up it will bolster confidence.

“We‘ve already been approached by some substantial dairy farmers who have dispersed their herds and are looking for big numbers of breeding sheep,” said Mr Bell.