IFA National Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy said hogget prices have hit €8.00/kg as factories struggle to match supplies with market demand.
He said factories are paying €7.70-€8.00/kg for QA hoggets as Ramadan and strong supermarket sales of lamb drive the trade.
Sean Dennehy said up to €8.50/kg is being paid for spring lamb.
Cull ewes are ranging from €3.20-€3.50/kg in general.
He said the strong factory demand is feeding through to the mart sales where agents and wholesalers are competing strongly for the limited numbers of hoggets, lambs and cull ewes available. Prices are comparable to and in cases above what factories are offering some farmers.
The IFA Sheep Chairman said farmers should sell hard while moving hoggets, and lambs as they become fit.
