Concerns have been raised regarding the input costs incurred by sheep farmers. According to Irish Farmers’ Association sheep chair, Kevin Comiskey hogget and cull ewe prices have risen again this week due to strong market demand as the “start of Ramadaan and Easter is approaching”. Sheep supplies have been described as tight and Comiskey says that factories have had to move prices on.
“The increased prices are not off-setting the huge cost increases sheep farmers are exposed to this year,” claims Comiskey. This comes as current hogget deals are available at €7.50/kg while cull ewes are making up to €4/kg. He adds that the limited numbers of spring lamb on offer are coming in at €8/kg in general, with some deals above this.
“Based on Teagasc figures, fertiliser increases of €10 to €15 per ewe this year will cost the sector up to €40 million before compound feed, fuel and contractor costs are accounted for”, he said.
In response to the current situation, Comiskey says that sheep farming is a low-income sector, and does not have the capacity to absorb these increases. His real concern is within the sector for the store lamb trade this year if action is not taken to support this key aspect of the production system.
Comiskey has called on Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue to ensure that sheep farmers are directly supported in the €48 million crisis fund that is available.