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Sheep
AHDB revises 2024 UK lamb production outlook
Darren Carty
Higher numbers of ewe hoggets being slaughtered and a reduction in the breeding ewe flock has led to revised production figures.
6 April 2024 News
UK sheep flock falls 5.1% in 2023
The latest DEFRA census from 1 December 2023 shows total sheep flock numbers falling by some 1.14m head, with the breeding ewe flock reduction accounting for over 600,000 head.
27 March 2024 Markets
Sheep Trends: Easter trade stimulates strong demand
Quotes for Thursday for hoggets and lambs remain unchanged, but cull ewe quotes have increased, as factories try to entice higher numbers to opt for direct sales.
British hogget prices soar to €9.24/kg
A review of global sheep prices shows British sheep prices surpassing French farmgate returns, with prices rising by €2/kg since the turn of the year.
27 March 2024 Markets
UK sheep price running £2.67/kg (€3.11/kg) higher
The price increase of £1.74/kg (€2.03/kg) since the turn of the year is being driven by tight supplies, strong sales, steady exports and lower than anticipated imports.
23 March 2024 Markets
Sheep trends: cull ewes, lambs and hoggets all firmer
There is an insatiable appetite at present for all classes of stock, with agents working hard to try and entice higher numbers forward
20 March 2024 Markets
Crucial few weeks ahead for UK crops
There is a clear intention to plant more spring wheat, but the persistence of wet weather means there is uncertainty about whether this can be done, the AHDB said.
17 March 2024 News
EU sheepmeat production falls by 6% in 2023
End-of-year figures published by the AHDB shows production falling by some 26,000t to 398,000t, which explains the current high level of demand in the market.
17 March 2024 Markets
Cutting carbon is a long-term challenge
During a recent AHDB monitor cereal farm meeting, the results of a carbon audit were outlined to group members.
28 February 2024 Northern Ireland
Sheep Trends: hogget quotes up 50c/kg to €7.60/kg base
Kildare Chilling and the two Irish Country Meats plants in Camolin and Navan have all lifted base quotes to €7.60/kg, leaving opening quotes in the region of €7.80/kg.
28 February 2024 Markets
UK sheep price increases 'never seen before'
Currently at £7/kg (€8.20/kg), the AHDB reports that UK sheep prices have never before experienced such an elevated period of higher farmgate returns during January and February.
24 February 2024 Markets
Sheep Trends: differential of up to 50c/kg emerging
A two-tiered trading system appears to be developing, with specialist finishers and agents handling very large numbers securing up to 40c to 50c/kg above quoted prices.
21 February 2024 Markets