While the hogget trade may have dipped in recent weeks and the spring lambs are just starting on a recovery after a slight slip earlier in the week the cull ewe trade is bucking the trend with a tremendous trade reported across the country in the first half this week.
At Bakewell on Monday an entry of 373 cull sheep met what the auctioneers described as a sharper trade than the week before, with the best ewes peaking at £130 and averaging a very respectable £89.52. Rams, meanwhile sold to £146 and averaged £106.64.
And at Ashford the following day an entry of 331 ewes and rams met a flying trade throughout with some of the top end ewes the dearest seen at the centre in recent months.
Overall the average levelled some £10 ahead of the national figures. Strong meated ewes were clearly dearer then previous weeks, but leaner types are still in demand also.
Top spots on the day were Texels to £145 from Kingswood Farmers, Suffolks to £111 from M A and F W Owen, Mules to £95.50 from A A Palmer and Sons and Romneys to £99.50 from Langrish Farmers.
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