Farmer Focus: Expecting another good year of lamb trade
Joe Mault © Richard Stanton Blwyddyn Newydd Dda (Happy New Year)! I write this article on New Year’s Day, a time that always brings a sense of optimism and hope, as if the turning of the calendar can offer us a clean slate and a fresh start.
However, for me, the year often begins in September. It’s not just the start of the college term, but also the beginning of the sheep-breeding season.
As we step into 2025, I reflect on what I can be optimistic about in Welsh farming.
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While it’s tempting to think about the negativity of issues such as losing inheritance tax relief, I believe it’s just as important to focus on what’s going well and what we can look forward to in the coming year.
First and foremost, it’s arguably one of the best times to be selling lamb in the UK.
That’s a bold statement, I know, especially when the cost of production has risen to eye-watering levels for farmers, but we’ve also seen record-breaking prices for lamb.
Back in May 2024, lamb prices surpassed £8.50/kg deadweight, which is a figure that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.
Looking ahead, I expect such prices to continue, particularly as people prepare for religious holidays such as Easter and Ramadan.
Coupled with the ongoing shortage of supply, this creates the perfect conditions for another year of strong markets, and perhaps even more record-breaking figures.
Here’s hoping, as we still have plenty of lambs to sell over the next couple of months.
Another reason to be optimistic about 2025 is the arrival of spring.
The only certainty of farming is that the seasons follow on from each other, although it seems winters are becoming longer and wetter.
Reflecting on 2024, the weather felt relentless at times, and as I write, we’re in the midst of another weather warning.
Spring offers a new beginning, the promise of better weather, and, of course, lambing season.
Lambing is a highlight of my year, and just thinking about it makes me smile.
The sight of new life arriving on the farm is a reminder of why we do what we do – and of the resilience and optimism that farming requires.