The share of retail prices received by sheep meat producers in October fell 4 percentage points to 45.8 percent, the lowest share since November 2015. The measure has now recorded four consecutive months of decline.

Retail demand for lamb has struggled all year with retail lamb sales declining by 4 percent in the 12 weeks ending 8 October compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from Kantar Worldpanel.

During October, beef producers share of the retail price fell by 2 percentage points month-on-month to 52 percent.

Market round-up

Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 12 store heifers in St Boswells on Thursday to average 225.2p per kg and 49 store bullocks to level at 222.4p.

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 4479 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £106 per head and 261p per kg to average 177.9p (+2.8p on the week).

Another large show of 5642 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £151 for Texels and average £73.33 (-£1.63), while light/export-type ewes peaked at £61 for Blackfaces and levelled at £32.65 (-£3.16). Rams sold to £136 for a Texel and averaged £71.82.