The number of sheep slaughtered in Department of Agriculture-approved sheep export premises in 2025 fell by a massive figure of 414,745 head, or 17% in 2025.
Throughput finished the year at just over 2.05m head with the kill falling by almost 800,000 head in the space of just two years.
The kill in 2026 has started in a slightly better vein with last week’s throughput of 38,341 head running 2,075 head higher than the corresponding week in 2025.
However, this is expected to be short lived with all forecasts pointing to further contraction in throughput on the back of a continued decline in the breeding ewe flock.
There is no change in price this week with base quotes remaining at €7.60/kg or an opening price of €7.70/kg to €7.80/kg for quality assured lambs.
A significant percentage of lambs are trading from €7.80/kg to €7.90/kg with those trading at the top end of the market securing €8/kg upwards.
Carcase weights have increased by 0.5kg to 23kg, but factories are warning farmers about an increasing percentage of lambs deemed out-of-spec and the likelihood of price deductions being introduced for lambs weighing in excess of 25kg carcase weight.
Meanwhile prices in Northern Ireland have increased by 10p/kg with base quotes for Thursday ranging from £6.40/kg to £6.45/kg (€7.30/kg to €7.34/kg).
The number of sheep slaughtered in Department of Agriculture-approved sheep export premises in 2025 fell by a massive figure of 414,745 head, or 17% in 2025.
Throughput finished the year at just over 2.05m head with the kill falling by almost 800,000 head in the space of just two years.
The kill in 2026 has started in a slightly better vein with last week’s throughput of 38,341 head running 2,075 head higher than the corresponding week in 2025.
However, this is expected to be short lived with all forecasts pointing to further contraction in throughput on the back of a continued decline in the breeding ewe flock.
There is no change in price this week with base quotes remaining at €7.60/kg or an opening price of €7.70/kg to €7.80/kg for quality assured lambs.
A significant percentage of lambs are trading from €7.80/kg to €7.90/kg with those trading at the top end of the market securing €8/kg upwards.
Carcase weights have increased by 0.5kg to 23kg, but factories are warning farmers about an increasing percentage of lambs deemed out-of-spec and the likelihood of price deductions being introduced for lambs weighing in excess of 25kg carcase weight.
Meanwhile prices in Northern Ireland have increased by 10p/kg with base quotes for Thursday ranging from £6.40/kg to £6.45/kg (€7.30/kg to €7.34/kg).
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