The Government must use next week’s Budget to support the sheep sector through increased direct payments, and a commitment to ensure farmers receive full payments under the current Sheep Welfare Scheme.
That's the view of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) sheep chair Adrian Gallagher.
He added that no linear cuts should be applied to Sheep Welfare Scheme payments in 2026.
“Any additional funding required to pay farmers in full for the actions carried out on farms this year must be secured to ensure there are no cuts to payments under the scheme,” he said.
Increase in payments
The IFA is seeking an increase in the sheep scheme payment to €23/ewe which, when combined with the Sheep Improvement Scheme, would bring total direct support to €35/ewe.
The organisation is also calling for an additional €10/ewe for hill sheep farmers, adding that the scheme must be maintained and strengthened to support farmers lambing ewes.
“We are losing sheep and we are losing production,” Gallagher said. “The Budget must provide a clear increase in direct support to stabilise the national flock and give farmers the confidence to continue producing lambs.
“The Minister must also provide greater financial support for labour-saving equipment and farm infrastructure to support the viability of sheep enterprises.”
Dog control
The IFA sheep chair also brought attention to dog control and said resources and funding are needed for an effective dog-warden service in every county. Sufficient staffing to enforce the obligations on dog owners are also required.
“This Budget must mark a change in direction and provide the targeted support needed to stabilise the national flock and give sheep farmers a viable future,” Gallagher added.
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