After seeing an increase in the sheep throughput over the last few weeks, last week’s kill saw a fall of nearly 3,000 head.
However, despite the lower throughput, prices remain hot, with €7.00/kg continuing to be got and higher in some cases at the top end of the market, with reports of €7.10/kg being secured late this week. The mart trade also remains very strong and has improved on the previous week.
Looking at the throughput for last week, (week ending February 28) a total of 43,460 sheep were processed, which was a decline of 2,899 head on the week before.
The number of hoggets slaughtered amounted to 37,218 head which again was a fall of 2,931 on the previous week.
Ewe and ram throughput saw a very slight increase on the week before – up 22 head to 6,231 head.
Week-on-week sheep kill supplies (the week ending February 28):
- Lambs/hoggets: 37,218 head (-2,931 or -7.3%);
- Ewes and rams: 6,231 head (+22 or +0.35%);
- Total: 43,460 head (-2,899 or -6.25%).
Looking at the cumulative figures for the year to date, 370,620 sheep have been processed so far this year, which is a decrease of 28,959 head compared to the 2020 figure of 399,579 head.
Sheep kill week ending February 28. Data source: DAFM.
Year-on-year sheep kill changes (the week ending February 28):
- Lambs/hoggets: 324,281 head (-20,289 or -6%);
- Ewes and rams: 46,305 head (-8,701 or -16%);
- Total: 370,620 head (-28,959 or -7%).