Hogget trade under pressure as Eid demand nears end

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

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.