McCartney’s Brecon reported a solid trade across all stock types at its weekly market on Tuesday, May 5.

The weekly market also saw a visit from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

New season lambs averaged 452p/kg overall, with a SQQ of 456.3p/kg, as vendors were rewarded with a competitive trade across the board.

Spring lambs sold particularly well, with lighter weights in strong demand. Top prices reached 481p/kg for 35kg lambs from H E Powell & Co, achieving £168.35 per head. Plenty of business was completed above 460p/kg, including 40kg lambs selling to 475p/kg from L Gould. The top price per head in the lamb section was £215.04 for 48kg lambs from BGM & RV & BH Jones.

In the hogget section, numbers were described as tailing off as producers near the end of their runs, although well-finished sorts still attracted strong interest. Lighter hoggets under 40kg were again the most in demand, selling upwards of 400p/kg and topping at 420p/kg for 37kg Welsh hoggets. Export types sold to 417p/kg, with many trading around the 390p/kg mark. Heavier hoggets proved more difficult to place, although the top price reached £190.41 for a 56.5kg animal.

Cull ewes also saw a firm trade throughout, with the majority selling above £140. Cheviot ewes topped at £180 from LG & RJ Jones, while only the smallest or plainest types were under £100.

Market organisers said numbers are still needed weekly across all categories, adding that stock remains easy to handle at Brecon.