Sheep Numbers Stabilise After 10 Year Decline

24 February, 2003

The national sheep flock has increased slightly this year following a decade of continuous decline, according to Gerry Scully, Chief Sheep Adviser with Teagasc.

Total applications for the EU sheep premium in January this year were 3.891 million compared with 3.887 million in 2002, an increase of 4,000.

However, according to Gerry Scully, the number of sheep producers continues to decline. A total of 34,900 farmers applied for the sheep premium this year, a drop of 1,100 on the 2002 figure.

"The average flock size is now 111. In the late 1980's, the average was 65 ewes per flock", he said.

The application details show an increase in sheep numbers in nine counties - Donegal, Kerry, Leitrim, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Sligo, Tipperary and Wicklow. In Kildare, numbers have remained at last year's level.

In the case of Louth, numbers have increased from 39,000 last year to 46,000 this year, as restocking in the Cooley peninsula continues. The total flock in Louth was over 60,000 prior to the foot and mouth outbreak and depopulation in 2001.

In all other 15 counties, numbers this year are slightly down on last year's level.

Commenting on the figures, Gerry Scully said the fixed ewe premium had taken a lot of the guesswork and distraction out of the industry.

"Farmers respond if an enterprise is giving a reasonable return. The challenge now is to consolidate the industry. Teagasc is continuing to target labour and flock performance as the two key factors affecting the future viability of the sheep sector," he said.

The national breeding flock peaked at 5.2 million ewes in 1992, with 53,000 producers.