Small ewes hit by SRM rules
Small ewes hit by SRM rules
PRICES of small cull ewes have fallen further, as the impact of the specified risk material rules is felt.
At English and Welsh markets on Monday, lightweights averaged £19, down more than £2 on the week. But heavy ewes were typically changing hands for £3 more than seven days earlier at £34.
Kirkby Stephen auctioneer Stuart Bell says the new SRM rules, which require spinal cords to be removed, have hit demand for light sorts, leaving them worth less than half their value a year ago.
"When you split a small carcass – especially a small, lean carcass – theres virtually nothing left," says Mr Bell.
Fewer culls are, however, on offer since the Feb 4 start of the retention period. At Longtown, Cumbria, Neil McCleary says last Thursdays 4000-strong entry was 1500 less than the previous week.
"Ewes should get scarcer as the retention period goes on," says Mr McCleary. "But whether they get any dearer is another matter. Finished lamb prices will probably have to improve before the ewes follow suit."
Mark Cleverdon at Ashford says its not just small ewe values that have been hit following the Jan 1 introduction of the SRM rules, but also the Mules. "They just dont look the part when the carcass is split."
The best ewes, meanwhile, are still selling for £40-plus, says Mr Cleverdon.
Mark Cleverdon: A two-tier market has developed, with small ewes and Mules out of favour with buyers.