Depleted NI sheep flock leads to urgent calls for support

The sheep sector in Northern Ireland remains in decline and contracted for the third consecutive year in 2024, prompting calls from the industry for immediate support.

There were 930,000 ewes in Northern Ireland as of June 2024, according to Daera’s agricultural census, a fall of 4.4% (43,000 head) on the previous year.

Total sheep numbers also dropped, from 2.05m head to 1.97m head.

The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) says the need for support for the sheep sector continues to mount and it has called for Daera to continue to engage with the industry.

See also: Proposed pay increases for NI farmworkers announced

UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy said: “Daera cannot continue to put sheep support on the back burner. They’re stalling the sustainable development of the industry and putting the livelihoods of local farmers at risk.

“Sheep farmers in NI are at a competitive disadvantage compared to their counterparts in the Republic of Ireland, where farmers receive up to €20 (£16.70) a ewe through government-backed schemes. It’s not sustainable.”

NI sheep and lamb slaughterings were also 9,000 head lower on the year during January at 31,000 head, according to official figures.

Northern Ireland taskforce

Daera officials and NI agriculture minister, Andrew Muir met with the NI Sheep Industry Taskforce towards the end of last year to discuss support options for the sheep sector and agreed to a sheep-focused co-design group as part of the Agricultural Policy Stakeholder Group Forum.

The taskforce has called for better animal health and welfare measures, sustainable land management and biodiversity initiatives, capital investment, genetic improvements, and a dedicated sheep research programme.

However, the UFU says there has been very little development by Daera since it met with industry.

Mr Cuddy said: “Daera have cited a lack of staffing resources as to why they cannot progress with sheep support at this time, but this is not good enough.

“Daera has a responsibility to support all farmers, and yet our sheep producers have been completely left out of the new sustainable agriculture programme and are set to lose 17% of their Basic Payment Scheme with no way to make up for the shortfall.

“Sheep farmers have one of the lowest incomes, and without direct support the business would simply not be viable.”