The UK sheep sector is still being heavily influenced by significant Brexit-related changes in normal production trends in 2019.

The sharp increase in throughput is reported as reducing the carryover of hoggets into 2020, while adverse weather is also limiting performance and slowing drafting rates.

Market update

These factors were reflected in a market update released this week by AHDB red meat analyst Rebecca Wright.

The number of hoggets slaughtered in February 2020 reduced by 70,000 head to 835,600 head. The UK ewe kill also fell by 17,000 head to 119,500.

These factors combined resulted in the volume of sheepmeat produced reducing 2,000t

As well as handling lower numbers, the average weight of hoggets also reduced due to poor weather.

These factors combined resulted in the volume of sheepmeat produced reducing 2,000t to 19,900t.

As recently reported, tighter supplies led to UK prices rising as high as £5.50/kg or €6.29/kg at 87.6p to the euro and the equivalent of €6.62/kg if VAT at 5.4% is factored into the equation.

This also had positive implications for trade in Ireland and for producers across many other European countries.

NZ sheepmeat for Middle East

Meanwhile, the AHDB also reports that a high percentage of New Zealand sheepmeat diverted away from the Chinese market due to coronavirus is destined for Middle Eastern markets rather than the EU as previously feared.

It is thought that there may be higher exports to the EU, but volumes will be marginal, with trade flows into China also reported as reopening slowly.

There are also logistical difficulties in redirecting large volumes, with shipping containers remaining in tight supply.