NCC Hoggetts in Demand

NCC Hoggetts in demand as prices increase post Brexit – January 2021

“Increase in membership enquiries for the North Country Cheviot Sheep Society post Brexit as confidence in the sheep sector grows” An unprecedented demand for NCC Hoggetts has been welcomed by Farmers and Auctioneers after the new post Brexit rules came into place at the start of January 2021. The increase in prices at the end of December of 230p/kg to an impressive 268p/kg for the week ending 15th January ’21.
United Auctions have witnessed a significant price rise particularly for NCC prime Hoggetts. United Auctions sell NC Cheviot store lambs and prime hoggetts at all marts in the group at all centres throughout Scotland. George Purves of UA said “the NC Cheviot store lambs have proven a great investment in recent years maturing after the new year to meet a rising trade both for the home and export markets. Once again, the NC Cheviots look on track to leave a good return this year as the demand for sheep meat goes from strength to strength throughout Europe post Brexit.

James Little at H&H said “the rise in prices is particularly welcome for producers who invested in NC Cheviot store lambs in the autumn - the NC Cheviot carcasses tick all the boxes for consistency and is favoured by retail butchers and wholesalers when purchasing prime lambs due to the consistency the carcass provides.

John Walton commented there has been increased competition in the ring for NC Cheviot Prime Hoggs and prices have reflected the fantastic quality that has been coming through the ring at Longtown. Store lamb producers purchased large numbers of NC Cheviot store lambs in the autumn and these are attracting good prices when sold back through the prime ring from January to April. The demand for Cheviot Mule breeding sheep also means we see a lot more Cheviot Mule wether lambs coming through the prime ring and these have sold exceptionally well as they are suitable for both home and export markets.

At Monmouth Agricultural Centre on the 11th January 44kg NCC hoggs from Rob Lewis sold for £122 per head also with 38.5kg selling for £112.80 per head. Rob Lewis commented “we like the NCC Hoggs for the hardiness and the ability to convert forage to meat”. Auctioneer Phil Jones says 'butchers compete to buy NCC hoggs because of the excellent meat to bone ratio giving a good killing out percentage and a quality carcass'

Corinna Cowin the NCC secretary said “#Nothingcancompare which we use to describe the NCC breed is very relevant post Brexit as we have had an increase in enquiries for NCC society membership reflecting the confidence in the breed at this time. Farmers realise that the NCC produces a top quality prime lamb and also matures into an excellent hogget when kept pure or equally when crossed with any terminal sire. More farmers are turning to the NCC breed to maximise profitability for their sheep enterprises.”