Lamb crop up by 100,000 as ewes more productive

THE June agricultural census revealed the 2016 Scottish lamb crop is 2.8 per cent larger than last year – an increase of almost 100,000 lambs.

“One factor behind this was an increase in the breeding flock last year, but a bigger contribution came from better ewe productivity. Census results from England and Northern Ireland also reported a larger 2016 lamb crop of one per cent and two per cent respectively,” said Stuart Ashworth, QMS head of economic services.

UK slaughter statistics report lower volumes of lambs slaughtered between June and the end of September. Combined with the census results this suggests, observed Mr Ashworth, a larger stock of lambs on farms going into the autumn and winter.

“Not only have there been fewer lambs slaughtered, but carcase weights are also lower, suggesting, perhaps, slower growth rates.

“Auction market throughputs during October have, however, been higher than last year’s levels. Prime lamb prices have showed weakness through September and October, falling some 15p/kg live-weight, although there has been some increase in the past week,” he added.

Nevertheless, at current levels auction prices are some 20p/kg higher than last year and the second highest at this time of year for five years.

In recent years the prime lamb price has shown some strength during November and December, said Mr Ashworth. However, he reckons the extra volume of lambs suggested by the census results may constrain this seasonal movement this year. Harrison & Hetherington Ltd had 870 head forward at their annual sale of suckled calves and store cattle in St Boswells on Thursday. Heifers sold to 283p per kg and averaged 208.8p, while bullocks peaked at 281.4p and levelled at 224.4p.

Within those overall averages were the following averages for the different age groups. Heifers: 1-6 months 250p; 7-10 months 222p; 11-18 months 192p. Bullocks: 1-6 months 239p; 7-10 months 228p; 11-18 months 207p; 19-30 months 191p.

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 5,718 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £105 per head and 268p per kg to average 166.2p (+8.4p on the week).

There were also 4,496 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £146 for Texels and averaged £68.91 (+£12.26), while light ewes peaked at £66 for Lleyns and levelled at £36.31 (+47p). Rams sold to £170 for a Texel and averaged £77.61.