IFA National Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy said the sheep trade remains strong this week with factories very anxious for hoggets for Ramadan, which starts on May 15th.
He said supplies are very tight and factories are very active chasing feeders with numbers. He said factories have paid €6.40/kg to €6.50/kg for hoggets this week and are offering more to pin down numbers for next week.
Farmers are getting from €7.00/kg to €7.20 for spring lambs, with supplies still quite limited.
Sean Dennehy said, despite attempts by some factories to talk down the trade, the reality is that any farmer with a number of quality hoggets is in a strong position to command a top price. He said Ramadan will drive demand even stronger next week.
Ewes are making from €3.30/kg to €3.50/kg.
