Archive Article: 1997/04/11

11 April 1997

At Welshpool on Monday, 900 new-season lambs averaged 168p/kg. But the strong £ has hit exports, says auctioneer John Jones (left, foreground). And supermarkets, sourcing New Zealand product, are not yet buying large numbers. As they buy more, however, the ideal lamb weight will rise from its level on Monday of about 33kg, adds Mr Jones. Hoggets averaged 145p/kg at the mart. But those at about 60kg that would have been worth £90 a year ago, are now making under £70. National averages for lambs and hoggets on Monday were 163p and 138p/kg, respectively.