Markets: Free range flocks soften market

With the traditional summer doldrums in the egg trade still some way off, a softening of the market has already set in early as it comes under pressure from a wave of new flocks. Wholesale prices have dipped across the board with free range the hardest hit, showing falls of up to 20p/doz. Meanwhile Colony prices are down by 8-10p/doz. The trade is now entering a period when the size of the UK laying flock, although not set to rise further until at least September, is nevertheless running a