Sheep slaughter declines

Sheep slaughter fell sharply in the final week of May, with 5,534 head processed compared to 13,000 the previous week. The most active plants were Frigocerro (3,524 head), followed by Las Piedras (1,327) and Oferan (521).

Despite the decline, prices remained firm at the start of this week, with “strong demand” from packers and increasingly limited supply. “There’s nothing out there,” said one intermediary. Several producers are waiting until after shearing before selling their sheep.