Crazy cull ewe trade tipped to be a flash in the pan

Sheep keepers that marketed culls last week cashed in on a freak bidding frenzy that took prices beyond supply and demand dynamics.

National data shows live rings sold 8% more ewes last week but a 25% surge in price (to average £125.50 a head) as key buyers competed for sheep.

Auctioneers say the price bonanza was artificial and will be short-lived, though the trade will remain strong due to the UK sheep flock being at its lowest level since 1996.

See also: Trade at livestock markets thriving despite bluetongue zones

Highlights included a Beltex cull ewe grossing £400 at Bentham, Mules to £170, and several pens of horned sheep passing the £100 mark.

Lanark’s average was back £8 to £112 on 2 December after the previous week’s sale posted prices of £350, £340 and £300 for Texel ewes. However, Blackfaces were £11 dearer on the week at £88.

Tom Wrench, auctioneer at Rugby, said last week’s price lift took ewes from 440-450p/kg deadweight to £5/kg. “At the start of this week they have returned to 440-450p/kg.

“Those farmers that saw trade flying on Monday were able to sell midweek and catch the market on a high,” said Mr Wrench.

“Not only are we seeing tight numbers of sheep across the country, we have been hit with haemonchus issues in our area, which mean sheep aren’t getting fit to sell.

“We are 40% back on ewe throughputs.

“Worse still, we are a mile from the control zone here – it’s affecting 85% of our traders. Bluetongue has decimated our store cattle and lamb sales.”

Auctioneer Nick Young said farmers have been well-rewarded for finishing sheep in the cull ring on Wednesdays at South East Marts, Hailsham, in recent weeks.

He said trade had been totally transformed by Advent demand. Sheep that were £80-£85 a month ago were £30-£40 dearer on 28 November.

“Historically, trade always got dearer at this time of year. A bit of fresh keep and some corn leaves a margin with sheep £30-£50 a head dearer than a month ago.”