A blast of much-needed sunshine has brought with it a sense of optimism and welcome relief to those in the midst of lambing.
Auctioneers have seen this ‘springtime positivity’ carried over into the sales rings, with strong prices being commanded across the board.
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Turnout may have been delayed but the long winter is at last behind us, and buyers are stocking up on replacements, safe in the knowledge that everything will be out on grass soon. Ìý
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Of course, the good weather does not mask the various issues affecting producers across all sectors, and whether it be tumbling milk prices, rotten meat scandals or an impending cauliflower crisis, there is no denying the challenges are still lurking. Ìý
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In fact, thereÂ’s more chance of being able to buy a chocolate egg than a henÂ’s.Ìý
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However, we are in the middle of a crucial point in the calendar for retail sales, and it will be interesting to see if the cost-of-living crisis has reached as far as the Easter Bunny. Ìý
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While it is heartening shoppers are choosing quality meat for at-home dining rather than going out to eat, there are reports of New Zealand lamb at much cheaper price points swamping supermarket shelves, leaving them without a choice in some cases.
At such a critical time, with jubilant shoppers giving themselves permission to buy a treat for the holidays, it is vital they can source British if they want to. If they canÂ’t find it, they wonÂ’t buy it. Ìý
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Religious celebrations are always a key trading point, and with the major Islamic festival Eid al-Fitr just around the corner, this sense of optimism will hopefully translate into both fantastic feasting and strong financial returns.Ìý
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From all at FG, we hope you have a very happy Easter break. Ìý
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And finallyÂ…Ìý
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We are delighted to see our #farm24 campaign shortlisted for a PPA Award, but the event is only possible thanks to you, our readers, for providing a digital snapshot of your lives to the general public, so thank you. This yearÂ’s event takes place on August 3, visit fginsight.com/farm24.
