INCREASED demand for lamb over the Christmas period undoubtedly helped to boost trade with the GB SQQ rising 7p per live kg on the week. However, the same cannot be said for the New Year.

In the week ended December 21, the GB SQQ levelled at 172.3p per kg which was also 7p higher than the same week in 2015 following larger increases seen then.

This 2016 rise follows a decline in the number of lambs coming to GB livestock markets in the week, with numbers falling by 6% compared to the previous week. The largest price rises were seen more recently, with prices on Wednesday, December 21, up by 12p on the previous week at 173.06p/kg.

The early markets of this week have however, slipped with the GB SQQ average dropping 4p per kg on Tuesday – on the previous week – to level at 172.8p and with 42.5% fewer sold.

This compares to prices in Scotland, which levelled at 169.0p – down 8p per live kg for 9.5% fewer cashed.

Cull ewes have also slipped on the week, with the trade north of the Border averaging £53.27, a fall of £4 per head, against the overall GB figure of £57.68, down £2.65 on the week, for 63% fewer.