Sheep prices fall again as factory pressure dents producer confidence

There is still a percentage of hoggets making up the weekly intake at the factories, and prices are equally under pressure at around 720–725c/kg this week.

It is another difficult week for producers as pressure on factory prices leads to a further cut in returns to suppliers, denting confidence in the sector.

Quotes for lambs are down by 20–25c/kg in general at a base of 820c/kg, plus the usual bonus for quality and a carcass cut-off weight of 21kg being applied. The quality bonus is worth 10–20c/kg for qualifying lambs, depending on the terms at the individual factory.