With factories pulling prices back for hoggets on Monday, AgriLand took a look at what the mart trade was like yesterday and the reports were mixed.
Martin McNamara reported that hoggets were a much easier trade at Ennis, while George Candler reported a steady trade at Kilkenny, which saw hoggets make up to €151/head.
Ennis Mart
Ennis Mart’s manager Martin McNamara reported that the trade was easier for hoggets by as much €8/head at Monday’s sale (January 25).
The number of sheep presented for sale was smaller than the previous week, with a total of 300 on offer.
Even though the trade was back, Martin said that the trade was €10/head stronger than this time last year.
The top price on Monday was €145/head, however, prices above €140/head were few and far between, according to Martin. The average price for hoggets was €2.68/kg.
Martin said that cull ewes held the trade better and generally made from €80/head to €122/head and ewes averaged €1.33/kg.
Sample hogget prices:
- Four at 50.5kg sold for €142/head or €2.81/kg;
- Three at 49kg sold for €142/head or €2.90/kg;
- 10 at 51kg sold for €139/head or €2.72/kg;
- 10 at 49kg sold for €136/head €2.77/kg;
- Eight at 47.5kg sold for €128/head or €2.69/kg;
- Two at 44.5kg sold for €130/head or €2.92/kg;
- Eight at 50kg sold for €140/head or €2.80/kg;
- Five at 53kg sold for €141/head or €2.66/kg.
Kilkenny Mart
George Candler reported a steady trade at yesterday’s sale at Kilkenny Mart. Hoggets peaked at €151/head, while cull ewes sold up to €131/head.
A steady number of 450 were presented for sale. A couple of lots of well-fleshed hoggets in excess of 55kg sold upwards of €149/head. However, in the main fleshed hoggets sold from €135/head upwards.
Sample hogget prices:
- 15 at 57kg sold for €151/head or €2.65/kg;
- 15 at 56kg sold for €151/head or €2.70/kg;
- 12 at 55kg sold for €149/head or €2.71/kg;
- 21 at 51kg sold for €139/kg or €2.73/kg;
- Eight at 49kg sold for €139/head or €2.84/kg;
- 10 at 47kg sold for €135/head or €2.87/kg.