Analysis of the latest data available from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) shows sheep output in Northern Ireland running 16.6% lower in 2025.

There are reductions across the three main outlets for sheep (see Table 1) – slaughterings in Northern Ireland, exports out of Northern Ireland for direct slaughter and exports to farms for production /fattening or breeding.

As detailed in Table 2, sheep throughput in DAERA-approved slaughter plants is running 10.6% lower when compared to the corresponding period in 2024. This is being underpinned by a 24,305 head, or 11.8%, reduction in hoggets/lambs, while the ewe and ram kill of 14,063 head is actually running 1,055 head, or 8.1% higher, which is concerning.

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The number of sheep exported for direct slaughter up to 19 July is running 28,209 head lower. As detailed in Table 3, this is stemming from a 40,955 head, or 23.1%, decline in exports to Ireland. This is in contrast to direct slaughter to Britain, which is running at twice 2024 levels; with exports to other European destinations also running significantly higher.

The number of sheep exported to Britain under the fattening/production or breeding cert has fallen significantly, with numbers crossing the Irish Sea up until the end of June recorded at 57,651 head equating to a reduction of 37,050 sheep. Exports to farms in Ireland are running 7.9% lower, while exports to farms in other countries are running 2,514 head higher, but from a much lower base.

Concerning figures

Sheep output in Northern Ireland in 2024 had not suffered to the same extent as in the Republic, with total output falling by about 7%.

This fared out much better than in ROI, where sheep throughput reduced by 20% or by over 370,000 head.

The 2025 figures are on a par with ROI at 17% lower output and are concerning for the sector. Farm organisations and farmers in Northern Ireland have been highlighting the need for a dedicated support sheep payment, with farmers frustrated that entitlement values have been subject to a 9% cut in 2024 and a further 6.5% cut in 2025 to fund the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme and a new suckler cow scheme.