I was at Thame Sheep Fair last week which is one of the biggest early breeding sheep sales and is usually considered a good indicator of what trade will be like going forward.
And in spite of concerns beforehand that the lack of grass could impact on prices, the reality was that trade was well up on the year with a record average and turnover.
A consistent strong prime lamb and cull ewe price seems to be underpinning confidence in the sector with buyers keen to buy replacements. And speaking to auctioneers they seem to think there is no reason why the good prices shouldn't continue, citing a shortage of numbers as one of the factors.
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However, Simon Draper of Thame Auction Mart, did say it was the dry sheep which were attracting a premium, rather than those which had lambed as hoggs, as they were carrying more condition, which is a consideration given the current grass situation.
The threat of bluetongue didn't seem to be detering buyers, although auctioneers attending from northern marts did stress they were encouraging all their future vendors to vaccinate ahead of the autumn sales as it will be the vaccinated stock which is wanted.
The Farmers Guardian livestock team have started a new video series – Sale Ring Stories, which will follow the sheep sale cycle throughout the year. If you haven't seen the first episode from Lazonby mart, catch up with it on the Farmers Guardian YouTube channel and look out for the next episode from Thame.
For more shows and sales go to our Shows and Sales Hub
