Steady trade for ewes + lambs – but no rush
Steady trade for ewes + lambs – but no rush
By Simon Wragg
EWES with lambs at foot are making steady prices around the markets.
Some observers had expected a rush as producers sought to replace many cull ewes held back last season.
But Skipton-based auctioneer Paddy Wrightson says bad weather has kept demand back and trade is down almost £12 a pair on last year.
Hoggs with lambs averaged £81 and shearlings with lambs averaged £90 with the latest offering at Skipton. "Buyers are being very particular," says Mr Wrightson.
Michael Bowe of Penrith Farmers & Kidds reports a similar trade from weekly sales. Better bred Mule shearlings and lambs are taking trade to £90, but plainer types are changing hands at lower values. "It all depends on quality."
Last weekends entry at Otley market of 124 store sheep saw Hampshire ewes with lambs take bidding to £66, while Swaledales with singles languished at £22. Elsewhere the picture is similar with ewes and lambs at Lichfield averaging just over £55.
While trade may quicken as the retention period approaches, auctioneers are pessimistic about a prolonged rally in values. The replacement of older ewes will also put further pressure on cull values which have fallen in recent weeks.
This extra pressure on returns will be unwelcome, says Mr Wrightson. With the UK having additional costs for splitting carcasses, which is not required in many exporting countries, domestic supplies could meet tougher competition which may lower cull prices. *