A sharper-than-expected lamb trade greeted vendors at Brecon Market on Tuesday, January 27, with strong buyer demand pushing prices ahead across all weights.

McCartneys reported an entry of 663 finished lambs alongside 98 cull ewes and rams. Competition remained firm throughout the sale, leaving a solid SQQ of 327p/kg and an overall average of 325p/kg.

The prime lamb trade proved notably stronger than anticipated, with vendors well rewarded for quality stock. Lightweights were particularly keenly sought, regularly selling at 330p/kg and beyond. The top price per kilo on the day was 353p/kg for a pen of 38kg Cheviot cross hoggs from C Thomas & Co, Coedmawr. Another highlight came from Cheviot ram hoggs weighing 38kg, which sold to 339p/kg.

Export-weight lambs were keenly competed for, generally trading between 315p/kg and 325p/kg, with a top of 328.5p/kg achieved by D I Davies & Co, Rhydywernen. Heavier lambs also met a strong trade, topping at £148.20 for a pen of 52kg ram hoggs from Davies Bros, Cwmgwdi.

Auctioneers said more numbers were needed to satisfy the level of buyer demand.

Cull sheep were forward in smaller numbers, with entries described as lacking strength. Despite this, a competitive trade was recorded, with well-meated cull ewes regularly exceeding £140. Hill ewes sold between £95 and £120, while cull rams were sharper on the week.

McCartneys thanked vendors for their support and reminded producers that prime sheep sales are held every Tuesday, with weighing from 7am and the sale commencing at 9:30am.

Store lambs are sold fortnightly, with the next sale scheduled for Tuesday, February 10.

To make entries, producers can contact Lloyd Humphreys on 07534 532468 for store cattle and cull cows, Tom Pritchard on 07903 618253 for sheep, or Jenny Layton Mills on 07867 522859 for store cattle.