Processors tighten carcass limits as hogget trade dips

The downturn in the trade has brought the hogget prices to drop below €8/kg for the first time this year.

There has been further easing of the trade for hoggets at the factories this week, where the prices on offer have been reduced by up to 20c/kg.

The downturn in the trade has brought the hogget prices to drop below €8/kg for the first time this year, while the older stock are also being hit by weight restrictions and threats of further penalties.

While the supply of new season lamb for the factories is steadily increasing week-on-week, there is still a lot of dependency on the hoggets to meet the intake requirements at the factories.

Most of the plants have reduced the hogget prices to 780c/kg plus the bonus for quality assurance and are imposing carcass cut-off at 23kg in general.

However, the regular suppliers are reporting that 810–815c/kg is being paid as supplies for the factories remain tight while markets are holding stable for volume.

While some processors are reported to have offered under 900c/kg for spring lambs this week, suppliers are holding out against any cut and 900c/kg plus the quality bonus appears to be the general run.

The live trade at the mart was steady for the opening sales this week, with very little of the lower factory prices appearing to be reflected.

The percentage of spring lamb in the entries is growing and prices are holding up at €155–160 over, with continuing strong demand for the better quality hoggets from butchers and factory agents, with prices ranging €150–155 over at the upper end of the trade.