Hereford Market reported firmer trading for both prime lambs and cull ewes at its sale on Wednesday 28 October, with the strongest Texel ewes making £300 and the best lambs reaching 391p/kg.
A total of 1,511 prime lambs went through the market. The sale produced a standard quality quotation (SQQ) of 345p/kg, while the highest price was recorded for 40kg lambs from D Meredith of Holywell. Those lambs reached 391p/kg, equivalent to £156.50 per head.
Prime lamb trade
Demand was also reported for lighter lambs. Animals weighing between 32kg and 39kg averaged just over 350p/kg, with the leading price in this section reaching 381p/kg for a 27kg lamb from M/s Chapelle of Pwllpatti.
| Category | Sale result | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Prime lambs | 345p/kg SQQ | 1,511 head sold |
| Top prime lambs | 391p/kg | 40kg lambs; £156.50/head |
| Lighter lambs | Just over 350p/kg average | 32-39kg range |
| Top lighter lambs | 381p/kg | 27kg lamb |
Cull ewe prices
The cull ewe section comprised 1,091 head, with continental types continuing to attract the strongest returns. Texel ewes from E G Morgan led the trade at £300/head; five further ewes from the same vendor sold for £246/head.
Other well-fleshed continental ewes changed hands at between £215 and £231/head, while Suffolk ewes reached £222/head. The report placed the overall ewe average at £147.56/head.
- Texel ewes from E G Morgan topped the sale at £300/head.
- Five additional ewes from the same vendor made £246/head.
- Best continental ewes sold from £215 to £231/head.
- Suffolk ewes reached £222/head.
Grazing ewes remained sought after, with stronger animals making between £130 and £150/head. Plainer grazing ewes sold from £100 to £128/head, showing a clear spread between better-conditioned animals and those carrying less finish.
Other stock
Cull Suffolk rams sold to £220/head. Goats recorded an average of £153.25/head at the same Hereford Market sale. The figures cover the market held on 28 October and include the prime lamb, cull ewe, ram and goat sections reported by Hereford Market.
