Sheep farmers in Northern Ireland are facing a “totally unsustainable situation” according to the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU). Prices for lamb are continuing to fall while the cost of production continuing to rise, and farmers have felt the pinch.

“Income for sheep farmers has taken a huge hit over a number of weeks. Prices are down approximately 23p/kg from this time last year, working out to roughly £4.83 less per lamb,” said UFU president Ivor Ferguson.

He outlined the frustration of farmers and cited low prices, Brexit and market uncertainty as contributing reasons for the declining situation.

Republic of Ireland

“Now many sheep processors in the Republic of Ireland are paying up to 21.5kg or 22kg. Our local factories should move in line with this, which would create some extra income for many NI sheep producers,” he said.

The UFU is working on proposals with government officials and the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association to help provide some future certainty for sheep producers.

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NI sheep farmers facing an 'unsustainable position'

Prices are down approximately 23p/kg from this time last year and sheep farmers are feeling the pinch.