SHARING OPTIONS:
Sheep prices are expected to remain robust for at least quarter one and leading into quarter two of 2021. \ David Ruffles
Sheep farmers can look forward to the current buoyancy in markets continuing for at least quarter one of 2021 and possibly throughout the first half of the year.
This was one of the key messages delivered by Seamus McMenamin, Bord Bia sheepmeat and livestock sector manager, at the organisation s Meat Market Seminar on Friday morning.
Seamus outlined how EU sheepmeat production declined by 3% in 2020, with an additional 1% drop in production forecast for 2021.
Of great significance, there was also a 4% drop in sheepmeat imports into the EU, primarily due to New Zealand only utilising 46% of its tariff-free quota and UK exports to the EU reducing by 12% on 2019 volumes.