Overall sheep supply to Department of Agriculture approved processing plants continues to decline, with a fall of 1.7% recorded for the week ending October 30.
This decline continues despite a slight rise in the number of lambs that were sent to market.
This rise brings the number of lambs killed this week to 48,261, a figure which rose by 2.1% or 981 head compared to the week ending October 23.
The slide in ewe and ram supplies has gathered pace with the numbers dropping by 17.4%, after last weeks drop of over 1,000 head, to bring the number killed down to 9,024 head.
The fall in ewes going to market can be attributed largely to the base price offered which remains unchanged at 220-230c/kg at most factories nationwide this week.
Week-on-week sheep kill changes:
- Lambs: +981 head or +2.1%
- Ewes: -1,902 head or -17.4%
- Total: -1,154 head or -1.7%
Increase in total sheep kill
The overall kill for the year-to-date has crept ahead of last years total for the same period.
Standing at 2,176,286 head for the week ending October 30, the figure is 1% higher than the 2015 equivalent.
Spring lambs again buck the overall trend with a fall of 7% on the same period in 2015.
The shortfall of 92,486 head of lambs is made up for by a combination of hoggets and ewes which have increased in supply by 7% and 24% respectively.
Year-on-year sheep kill
- Lambs: -92,486 head or -7%
- Ewes: +61,481 head or +24%
- Total: +11,526 head or +1%