THE festival of Eid-al-Adha will begin on approximately August 21 this year, and run until August 25, resulting in increased demand for lamb that meets particular specifications.

Processors typically source animals two or three weeks before the festival, and the timing this year means that the sheep required will need to have been born before February 21, and be fit, healthy

and lean.

Therefore, a pick-up in demand for sheep meeting these specifications is expected.

Market round-up

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold four prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 230p per kg and an average of 219.6p.

In the rough ring 22 beef cows sold to 121p and averaged 101p, while 24 dairy cows peaked at 109p and levelled at 87p.

There were also 523 prime lambs that sold to £100 per head and 204p per kg to average 183.6p (-1.4p on the week).

A larger show of 572

cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £115.50 for Texels and average £64, while light/export-type ewes peaked at £60.50 for Blackfaces and levelled

at £35.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 914 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £93.50 and 203.7p to average 181p (-0.8p). There were also 78 heavy cast ewes forward that sold to £113 for Suffolks and averaged £72.82, while 121 light ewes peaked at £64.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £47.20.

The firm went on to sell 80 store heifers at Ayr yesterday to a top of £1,090 per head and 220.3p per kg to average £704.14 and 199.6p (-5.2p on the fortnight), while 88 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1,165 and 240p to level at £805.06 and 201.3p. Thirty-five store, B&W bullocks sold to £795 and 160.6p to average £479.86 and 128.3p (-19.9p).