Sheep trade under strain as factories reduce hogget prices

Prices have been reduced by 10–20c/kg, to the grave disappointment of suppliers, writes Martin Ryan

The disappointing trend in trade this year is in sharp contrast to a year ago, when hoggets were making 900c/kg and suppliers were optimistic of achieving well above that level.

Producers have been dealt another blow to confidence in the sector, with a further cut to hogget prices at factories this week.

Prices have been reduced by 10–20c/kg, to the grave disappointment of suppliers, and the pressure has extended to live sales at marts, with prices back by up to €12/head at sales early this week.