Auction markets that are operating as collection centres for lambs destined for slaughter reported prices were down this week by about a third.

Harrison and Hetherington reported that their sale of prime lambs at Carlisle averaged about 80p per kilo live weight, with standard 40 kilos lambs fetching between £31 and £33.

The problem with auctions that are currently being held is that the lambs must be slaughtered and cannot be returned to the farm of origin if the seller does not want to accept the price bid. That has led to blatant profiteering by lamb buyers.

George Milne of the National Sheep Association described the situation as devastating. "The sheep trade really is a disaster", he said. "There won't be any quick solutions and we are unlikely to get exporting again for at least another 30 days".

Source: The Herald