Texel sired hoggets are proving to be the leading choice of butchers and processors at markets across the UK this spring, collecting many of the top prices.
Recent prime sheep sales across the UK have confirmed the insatiable demand for quality Texel cross hoggets, explained British Texel Sheep Society chief executive John Yates.
“No matter where you are in the UK the chances are that Texel cross hoggets are topping the prices in your local market. There is no regional variation when it comes to the demand for Texel crosses and they are appealing to both local butchers and mainstream processors alike.
“Texels suit both the domestic and export trade, something no other breed can match in terms of volume of supply and consistent quality of product.”
Recent sale highlights include this week’s prime sheep sale at Ayr where Texels topped the trade at 233/kg and £105/head for hoggets, while at St Boswells this Monday Texels once again lead the trade, selling to £115/head and 234.9p/kg.
Other parts of the UK have seen equally as good a trade, added Mr Yates. “At Foscote Market, Winslow, Buckinghamshire Texels topped the prices at 221p/kg, while at Thainstone, Aberdeenshire, Texel crosses have sold to 237.2p/kg in the last week.”
At Lanark where Texel hoggets sold to £109.50/head and 233.6p/kg last week, auctioneer Brian Ross said it was the breed’s carcass quality and ability to finish at a range of weights that suits both farmers and processors.
“The hogget market is being dominated by the export trade at the moment and that market is demanding a top quality carcass. This is where the Texel fits the bill perfectly, leaving great carcass quality with no excess fat cover or waste.”
And it’s not only the hogget market where Texels excel. “Commercial producers keeping Texel cross ewes are also seeing these top the cull ewe prices week after week. The weight and quality of carcass offered by these ewes is recognised by the trade and means depreciation levels on Texel cross ewes are some of the lowest of any breed,” added Mr Ross.
At a time when sheep farmers are enjoying good returns the ability to improve profits still further is one every farmer should be exploring, said Mr Yates. “Texel crosses offer increased margins for many farmers and because of their evenness of fleshing and high meat:bone ratio and low fat cover they are also the firm favourite of processors too.”
