The number of hoggets exported from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland and the UK for direct slaughter has decreased for the month of February in comparison to this time last year, according to the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC).

Figures presented by the LMC show that NI exports of sheep for February of this year to the ROI and the UK for direct slaughter were down 18.8% when compared to February 2020.

Also Read: 56% decline in shipments of Irish sheepmeat to the UK in January 2021

In February of 2020, 27,089 head of sheep were exported live for slaughter to the ROI and to the UK.

Whereas, data for February of this year shows that 22,003 head of sheep were exported live for slaughter to both the ROI and to the UK – down 18.8% as already outlined.

Decrease in hoggets going south

Looking at more recent data from the LMC, data for the previous six weeks up to March 13 showed hogget throughput to be at 44,126 head.

These hoggets accounted for 64% of the total output in NI during the last six weeks. During the corresponding period last year, 36,438 hoggets were killed in local plants and accounted for 51% of the total sheep output from NI.

As the proportion of hoggets killed locally has increased, the proportion of hoggets exported from NI to meatplants in the ROI for direct slaughter has decreased.

In the last six weeks – up to March 13 – 24,779 hoggets have been exported to the south of Ireland for direct slaughter and accounted for the remaining 36% of the total output in NI.

During the same period last year, 34,612 hoggets made the journey to processing plants in the south for direct slaughter and accounted for 49% of the total NI output.