A summary of the figures by Bord Bia says that sheep throughput in the UK increased by 3% in 2014.

It adds that this increase is due "mainly to a larger breeding flock and better seasonal conditions for lambs. With conditions favourable at tupping, prospects for the lamb crop for this year look positive. However much will depend on weather conditions at lambing."

According to the summary, UK net production increased by 3% to reach 298,000 tonnes and sheep throughput is forecasted to grow by 4% in 2015, leaving production at over 300,000 tonnes for the first time since 2009.

Also sheepmeat exports from the UK seem set to show little change. However, it says, "with a weaker euro against the pound, UK exports to the EU may be under some pressure. With robust demand on a global level and constrained supplies from other major exporters, non EU markets have the potential to grow further in 2015."

Finally, there was a "marginal rise in UK sheepmeat consumption in 2014 with some further recovery anticipated in 2015 to exceed 307,000 tonnes."