The latest livestock census data confirms that the total number of sheep has declined significantly across Europe over the past 12 months, online publication Agriland reported on August 6.
As a result, significant reductions in lamb production were recorded in all major European producing regions: the UK, Ireland, France and Spain. Analysts point out that the positive side of this trend was the significant increase in lamb prices. For example, in Ireland, record prices for sheep were set in the first months of 2024.
British experts attribute the decline in sheep numbers to the impact of recent environmental policies introduced by the UK government. For example, planting trees reduces the amount of land available for sheep farming. However, numerous studies have shown that sheep farming is one of the most sustainable production practices that can be used in agriculture, farmers say.
Northern Ireland Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) chief executive Colin Smith agrees. He criticised the current situation and said several factors were currently contributing to declining sheep numbers across Europe.
“These include the age profile of farmers, access to land, access and cost of labor, changes in agricultural policies that encourage land use, and environmental policies in general.”said Smith.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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