Demand strong for new season lambs

THERE is a sharper edge to the trade for supplies at the factories with demand strong for both hoggets and new season lambs, of which the latter remain scarce for an early Easter.

The first of the spring lambs have been arriving at both the marts and the factories over the past week, and commanding strong prices at both venues. Demand has also led to an improved trade for hoggets at the factories, this week, where prices have shown some gains.

Kepak, at Hacketstown, quoted up to 410cents/kg (146p/lb) as a base price for the hoggets on Tuesday, with a further 5cents/kg (2p/lb) bonus for quality. Kildare Chilling offered 409cents/kg with 6cents/kg bonus and Dawn at Ballyhanuis were offering 405cents/kg, with 6cents/kg bonus for quality.