Sheep numbers have fallen significantly, with throughput running in excess of 200,000 head lower for the year-to-date in 2025.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sheep throughput in factories continues to lag well behind previous year’s levels with reduced throughput up to the week ending 5 July exceeding the 200,000 head mark. This follows on from a fall of 375,000 head in 2024 and reflects a sharp decline in ewe numbers.
Last week’s sheep kill was recorded just shy of 40,000 head, equating to a reduction of 8,455 head on the corresponding week in 2024.
Despite the lower numbers, factories continue to insert downward pressure on lamb prices with prices for Thursday pulled anywhere from 10c/kg to 40c/kg compared to last week.
ADVERTISEMENT
Opening prices for quality assured lambs are in the region of €8.20/kg to €8.30/kg with top price pulled back to €8.40/kg. This equates to a cut of 20c/kg to 40c/kg on the week or from €4 to €8 per head on average.
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
Sheep throughput in factories continues to lag well behind previous year’s levels with reduced throughput up to the week ending 5 July exceeding the 200,000 head mark. This follows on from a fall of 375,000 head in 2024 and reflects a sharp decline in ewe numbers.
Last week’s sheep kill was recorded just shy of 40,000 head, equating to a reduction of 8,455 head on the corresponding week in 2024.
Despite the lower numbers, factories continue to insert downward pressure on lamb prices with prices for Thursday pulled anywhere from 10c/kg to 40c/kg compared to last week.
Opening prices for quality assured lambs are in the region of €8.20/kg to €8.30/kg with top price pulled back to €8.40/kg. This equates to a cut of 20c/kg to 40c/kg on the week or from €4 to €8 per head on average.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS