ROG WOOD

In the week ended on Wednesday 9 September the GB SQQ (Standard Quality Quotation) price for prime lambs fell by 2p on the week to 152.9p/kg according to EBLEX (the promotional body for English beef and lamb).

However, sharper falls at this time last year have meant that the weekly average price has just edged above last year's. This is the first time since April that the weekly SQQ has been above last year's level. Despite this, sharp falls were seen towards the end of the week, with the GB SQQ on Wednesday 9 September down by 13p on the week at 146.4p/kg.

It appears that higher prices last week have encouraged producers to bring more lambs to market as the number of lambs sold at GB auction markets increased.

Numbers were up by 33 per cent on the previous week and were almost 50 per cent higher on the same week in 2014. This appears to be the main driver behind the price fall as the strengthening euro and the upcoming Muslim festival of Eid-al-Adha (23 September) should still be contributing positively to demand for UK lamb.

The percentage of lambs falling within the SQQ weight band remained at 76 per cent.

Market round-up

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 222 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1260 per head and 239.7p per kg to average £868.96 and 209p (-6.1p on the fortnight), while 391 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1390 and 262.5p to level at £975.86 and 226p (+4p). Sixty-four store, B&W bullocks sold to £940 and 159.3p to average £715.70 and 145.1p (-14.3p).

The firm also had 2032 store lambs forward when Texels and Suffolks were £2-£3 cheaper on the week, while Blackfaces and Mules maintained late rates. Texels sold to £59.50, Suffolks £55, Mules £54 and Blackfaces to £50.50 with the overall average levelling at £49.89 (-£2.69 on the week).

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 3458 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £90 per head and 199p per kg to average 146.9p (-14.5p on the week).

There were also 6116 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £126 for Texels and averaged £66.81 (-£1.22), while light ewes peaked at £80 for Blackfaces and levelled at £42.84 (+15p). Rams sold to £148 for a Texel and averaged £77.17.