The producer share of the retail price of prime hoggs and lambs shot up in the past three months, having gained 17 percentage points since January, and currently stands at 67 per cent, which is the highest the producer share has been since the records began ten years ago.
This is also 16 percentage points higher than in April 2016. During April, the average farm-gate price rose by almost 50p/kg month-on-month, while the average retail price rose by just under 25p/kg month-on-month. The rally is caused by tightening of supplies - New Zealand imports into the UK have declined, while UK exports have been good.
Market round-up
Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 100 store heifers in St Boswells on Thursday to a top of 240.8p per kg and an average of 218p (-8.4p on the fortnight), while 126 store bullocks peaked at 274.2p and levelled at 237p (-4.1p).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 3418 prime hoggs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £169 per head and 335p per kg to average 258.3p (+4.5p on the week), while 80 prime lambs peaked at £140 and 300p to level at 263p (-29p).
A much larger entry of 3722 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £169 for Texels and average £99.22 (+£2.49), while light/export-type ewes peaked at £94 for Blackfaces and levelled at £55.07 (+£2.06). Rams sold to £148 for a Texel and averaged £98.72.
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