Influx of heavier lambs applying price pressure at UK auction marts

But lighter weight hoggs and lambs were in demand, with Livestock Auctioneers Association executive secretary Chris Dodds saying there was always a good trade for ‘those perfect weight lambs’ at Easter time.

He said: “Trade has been quite good. It has just slacked off a little bit as the Easter buying period has now happened.”

Sedgemoor market auctioneer Paul Ashton said: “The weather has been so good, everything has been kept too long. There are too many heavy ones about.”

He said at Monday’s (April 15) sales, more than half of the entries would have been classified as ‘heavies’.

Mr Ashton added: “It is just what buyers do not want at the moment.”

He added there was a very strong trade for lambs and it was positive for those with the stock the market demanded.

“All the buyers are moaning they cannot sell the heavies. Vendors are saying the grass has been so good and the weather has been so good. They have finished quite cheaply I think, so there is a bonus on that side.”