Hogget trade under pressure as Eid demand nears end

The word is spreading that, following the end of the Eid al-Adha Muslim festival next week, the hogget trade will come under pressure, ending a long, steady run of firm prices for the 2025 crop.

The trade at factories continues as steady as a rock this week for both spring lambs and hoggets, at least until next week, when approaching clouds over the hogget market following the Muslim celebration of Eid appear threatening to prices.

Spring lambs are quoted at 980-985c/kg plus the quality bonus, with €10/kg-plus common for the general run and some suppliers reporting up to 15c/kg above quotes being negotiated for larger numbers this week.

Hoggets continue to make up to half of the volume required, with the balance swinging towards spring lamb week on week.

Processors are quoting 915-920c/kg plus the quality assured bonus, as numbers are required by factories.

The word is spreading that, following the end of the Eid al-Adha Muslim festival next week, the hogget trade will come under pressure, ending a long, steady run of firm prices for the 2025 crop.

Some sources feel hogget prices could dip in the latter days of next week, but more likely the following week. However, supplies are now running down anyway and the changeover to new-season lamb is advancing every week.

The live trade at marts continues very strong, with increasing numbers of spring lambs on offer, while overall entries remain low.

There were 400 head entered at Kilkenny Mart on Monday for what was described as a “red hot sale”, with a top call of €256 for a lot of 12 spring lambs weighing 51kg.

Auctioneer George Chandler reported strong export interest in ram lambs, boosting the trade, with most of the entry comprising spring lambs.

Twelve spring lambs weighing 52kg sold for €252, while 16 weighing 50kg sold for €250. Hoggets sold for up to €93 over.