Sheep Prices April 2022
According to the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC), hogget prices “came under pressure” in factories across Northern Ireland this week (April 2022).
In its weekly market outlook report, it outlined that factories quoted 570-590p/kg for R3 hoggets up to 22kgs.
The commission expects plants to pay “similar” quotes early next week.
Furthermore, they noted that quotes for R3 grade spring lambs also fell as they ranged from 620-625p/kg up to 21kg. It also expects similar quotes next week.
According to the LMC, in the ROI, the average deadweight hogget price was “down marginally” from last week to 608.1p/kg.
Sheep prices: April 2022 – Hoggets
An easier trade at factory-level also filtered down to the ringside, with a generally “quieter trade” across livestock marts this week.
The commission reported that a smaller throughput of hoggets passed through the sales ring.
In Ballymena, 750 hoggets changed hands from 470-545p/kg (av 500p/kg) and 290 spring lambs fetched from 560-614p/kg (575p/kg).
This is back compared to the previous week when 1,102 hoggets went under the hammer from 490- 585p/kg (av 515p/kg). Besides, 125 spring lambs fetched from 570-651p/kg (av585p/kg) at this sale.
Meanwhile, in Swatragh last Saturday, 317 hoggets sold from 490-560p/kg compared to 420 hoggets from 480-630p/kg the previous Saturday.
Lastly, in Markethill on Wednesday of last week, 600 hoggets made from 520- 560p/kg compared to 580 hoggets the week prior to this, which changed hands from 530-590p/kg.
In terms of spring lambs, the commission reported that numbers also remained “subdued”.
The spokesperson explained that prices ranged from 550-614p/kg. On the other hand, the cull ewe trade continued to “remain firm” with top reported prices of £192-278/head.
Beef prices in Northern Ireland
As the base price edges closer to €5.00/kg in the Republic of Ireland, quotes also remain strong further north.
According to the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC), the beef trade “remained steady” across plants in Northern Ireland this week.
It reported that plants across the region increased cull cow, heifer, young bull (except for R3s) and steer prices this week.
Read more on this news article.
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