Sheep prices, just like cattle prices, remain buoyant with liveweight trade continuing to achieve strong prices around the country.

On Wednesday 13, the liveweight SQQ stood at over 200p/kg, a first since July last year. Trading levels corresponding to this time last year are nearly being achieved at these prices. Yet again, the Euro/Sterling exchange rate is helping the market as demand remains firm.

Poor weather forecast coupled with Easter prices could continue to respond as processors demand more supplies ahead of the peak procurement period. However, poor weather may mean farmers are quick to sell lambs thus flooding the market and decreasing the price.

In the deadweight market, prices are rebounding but are certainly down on last year as the SQQ rose over the 400p/kg mark for the first time since September. However, all isn’t bad and prices are up by 75 p/kg since the low point saw earlier in the year. R3L lambs averaged 405.9 p/kg, an increase of 31p on the week.