Trading dynamics in Northern Ireland’s sheep sector continues to vary greatly in 2026. The number of sheep exported live to Britain up to the first week of June is running at 119,408 head. Exports have almost doubled, increasing by 66,295 head.

The greatest lift is in the category of sheep exported for direct slaughter with exports rising from 5,873 head in the corresponding period in 2025 to 52,689 head in 2026. While exports live under the breeding and production certificate are running at 66,719 head, up 19,479 on 2025 levels.

The increase in the number of sheep exported live to Britain is being underpinned by tight supplies and record prices offering agents the potential to generate higher returns.

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This has contributed to the number of sheep exported from Northern Ireland to Ireland reducing by 53,332 head for the first five months of the year.

Exports for direct slaughter have reduced from 119,414 head in 2025 to 80,618 head while exports to farms have plummeted from 18,159 head to just 3,623 head. Meanwhile the number of sheep slaughtered in Northern Ireland has increased significantly with total throughput rising by 38,690 head, or 27%, to reach 182,656.