Prices slide as spring lamb arrives

THERE is slippage in the factory trade for hoggets this week, with prices continuing to ease. But prices for spring lamb have increased, and supplies are also showing a steady increase as the trade edges towards Easter.

Hogget prices are back about 11 cents/kg (3.5p/lb) over the past week, after a very good year to date for sellers, which saw the average price rise 10 cents/kg (3.5p/lb) compared to last year. Now, prices could slide as the spring lamb comes to market in larger numbers.

Factory prices for hoggets are ranging from 409 back to 400 cents/kg (146p to 143p/lb).