Quotes: The hogget trade has strengthened this week with base quotes rising by 60ckg to the range of €8.70/kg-€8.80/kg (plus QA bonus). Producers will larger numbers of hoggets that meet current market specifications have been able to negotiate slightly higher prices. Some processors are now quoting for spring lambs with prices in the region of €9.60/kg-€9.80/kg (plus QA bonus).
Prices: The average reported deadweight price last week (w/e 21st March) increased by 56c to €8.66/kg. Prices have increased by 101c in the past 2 weeks. For the first time in 2026, trade has surpassed the corresponding period last year when the reported deadweight price was €8.47/kg. Meanwhile in GB reported deadweight prices have increased further this week with a price increase of 44c/kg to €9.69/kg. Similarly, the trade in Northern Ireland has also improved with reported prices increasing by 33c to €8.65/kg. Looking at the Southern Hemisphere, trade has firmed in Australia with reported prices for heavy lambs holding to the equivalent of €6.79/kg last week. Meanwhile in New Zealand some downward pressure on the trade with reported prices back to the equivalent of €5.45/kg last week.
Throughput: Total sheep throughput in DAFM approved plants for week ending 21st March was 40,804, 10% ahead the corresponding week in 2025, marking the end of Ramadan. Current YTD throughput has fallen 2.7% behind 2025 levels to 466,727 head, with decreases in numbers of hoggets contributing to this trend. There have been indications of a stronger carryover of hoggets into 2026 which may contribute to a stronger hogget throughput in the first quarter of 2026.
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