Prime lamb values have crept up on the week due to the numbers simply not being forward for the time of year, yet the high demand is still there.

According to AHDB sources for the week ending October 14, 2023, an overall SQQ of 556.7p per kg (+7.1p on the week) was achieved, which is up 32.6p on the year.

“The rise in the sheep trade started the end of last week and just seems to have continued, there are not many fat sheep about at the moment, carrying the right amount of flesh,” said United Auctions, Stirling auctioneer, Peter Wood.

United Auctions sold 8406 prime sheep this week including 5831 lambs which cashed in at 259.86p per kg, which will be 30p per kg up on the year. United Auctions Stirling, took the largest jump on the week when their sale of lambs achieved an SQQ of 261.81p, a rise of 17.67p on the week.

Lanark closely followed with a rise of 12.61p on the week, having actually achieved a higher SQQ of 266.39p.

“The numbers aren’t there which is pushing the trade, and I would say it looks steady to continue for the foreseeable future. Further south lamb crops were smaller this year, which is helping us as people are coming up to buy more.

“Store sheep values on the back of this have stayed firm and there has been plenty of grass in the country for this to continue,” added Mr Wood.

Further south the same story was had at C and D auction marts’ sale of 1147 prime lambs at Longtown, with prices witnessing an increase of 10-15p per kg up on the week.

“All classes of well-finished lambs were in big demand, especially better-bred export lambs and heavies,” said Longtown auctioneer, Neil McCleary, with the sale averaging 264.2p with an SQQ of 265.1p.

“Trade is strong at the moment, I think on behalf of a hiccup from the export trade, but I reckon it will continue from now until Christmas – it is at a good value so hopefully it remains.

“Fat lamb trade has been good all summer and has been well in front of last year all the time, there has been no resistance from the meat processor as we have been able to sell sheep every week of the year and farmers have kept on top of their lambs to ensure a constant flow.

“The New Year will perhaps see a dip if they start to import New Zealand lamb, which puts more pressure on the market as it will be imported at a lower value, but we need to support our local produce farmers,” he added.

“In general, perhaps the numbers are not around with a lot less being born this year, with the scarcity beginning then, but the lamb numbers are adequate and there is no surplus and demand is there and everyone is quite happy,” concluded Neil McCleary.