Darren Carty

Kildare Chilling continues to set the pace in the sheep trade with the factory quoting a base of €9.10/kg plus 10c/kg QA for hoggets and €9.40/kg plus 10c/kg QA for spring lambs for Wednesday's kill.

The rate at which conditions return to normal will vary greatly depending on land type but the upturn in weather will deliver farmer and beast a well deserved break

The Department of Agriculture has answered important queries which are not addressed in the scheme's terms and conditions.

Higher numbers of ewe hoggets being slaughtered and a reduction in the breeding ewe flock has led to revised production figures.

Throughput in the latest weekly kill increased by 125,918 head to 692,682, marking the largest combined sheep and lamb slaughter on record.

Base hogget quotes have increased to €9.20/kg to €9.40/kg plus the respective quality assurance bonuses, with top prices rising to upwards of €9.60/kg.

The standout prices were €200 to €250 paid for heavy ewes, but the trade for light ewes was equally impressive.

Factories have moved to try to take control of the hogget trade, with quotes reduced, while spring lamb base quotes have increased by 10c/kg.