Prices for hoggets holding up well

Marts: Hogget prices have remained strong through the week, with prices regaining up to 20 cents/kg (7p/lb) at factories as lamb supplies continue to remain tight.

Base prices ranged 414-406 cents/kg (148p-145p/lb) at the factories yesterday as supplies have fallen short of expectations following the ending of retention and the increase in supply of spring lamb remains back on previous years.

A switch to concentrate on mid-season lamb production targeting better returns for supplies in May-June has added to the effect of a late grass season as the main cause of the low supply of spring lamb for Easter.