Lamb markets ‘counterproductive’ to building future for sector
While Co. Meath pedigree Charollais sheep breeder, Eugene O’Sullivan has noted recent increases in lamb prices, he is calling for the market to deliver viable returns throughout the year.
The Ardcath man made these comments while judging at Castlewellan Show 2026.
He said: “Sheep farmers need stable and sustainable prices if they are to have a long-term future in the sector.
“The way the markets work at the moment is extremely counterproductive in this regard.
"Cull prices have been high over recent months. But this is encouraging flock owners to sell females that could be retained for further breeding.
“The end result is a reduction in overall sheep numbers.”
O’Sullivan also wants to see steps taken that will encourage more young people to consider a career in sheep production.
“There are too many older people working within the sector at the present time,” he stressed.
NI sheep supports
Meanwhile, efforts continue apace to secure a bespoke sheep support package in Northern Ireland.
This is centred on discussions between sectoral representatives and policy specialists within the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) deputy president, Glenn Cuddy, commented: “Those farmers who keep sheep only are losing 17% of their former basic payment monies to help fund the new beef support measures that have been introduced over the past 12 months.
Cuddy said the union has repeatedly pointed out to DAERA officials that this is "grossly unfair".
He continued: “We have received a commitment of sorts from DAERA that a sheep support package can be delivered, provided the money can be found to fund it.
“In the same breath we are hearing from officials that there are insufficient staffing levels within the Department of Agriculture to address the numerous policy-related issues that are in train at the present time.”
The UFU deputy president feels it is time for Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir to step in and take charge of the sheep support debate.
“Further meetings involving sheep industry representatives and DAERA officials will take place over the coming months.”
Significantly, flockowners in Northern are keen to avail of a headage-based support measure.
However, DAERA officials have signalled their strong resistance to such an approach being taken.
It has been further calculated that sheep farmers in Northern Ireland are currently losing out to the tune of €25/ewe relative to their counterparts south of the border.
