Sheep
Business and Policy February 2026 – Sheep
The Present Although prime lamb prices entering 2026 remain historically strong; at time of writing (28/01/2026), they are around 50p/kg down on this time last year. While the June Defra Census reported a 1% reduction in breeding ewe numbers from 2024 to 2025; there was an increase in the number of ewes intended for first time lambing – an indication of a flock rebuild in the UK on the back of a high lamb…
Sheep Housing
Sheep Housing Sheep housing is important to flock welfare, including disease management, protection from the elements, hygiene and lambing. On this page you will find information on sheep housing, including the use of slatted flooring. Slatted Flooring Andrew Adamson was unsure how best to utilise a general purpose shed on his farm. A study trip…
Business and Policy January 2026 – Sheep
Looking Back over 2025 On the whole, 2025 delivered us another positive year for the sheep industry. Deadweight SQQ has remained generally consistent throughout 2025, staying between 650 – 750 p/kg and not delivering us the large peaks and troughs witnessed during 2024. 2025 started on a high with SQQ above early 2024 figures. However,…
Sheep & Goat Annual Inventory 2025
The annual Sheep and Goat Inventory is a compulsory requirement for all Scottish producers who keep sheep and/or goats on their holding. The 2025 inventory is currently open and will close at midnight on 30th January 2026. Since 2024 the inventory has been a fully online process and cannot be completed any other way. No…
Business and Policy December 2025 – Sheep
Australian Sheep Producers Intention Survey Meat and Livestock Australia and Australian Wool Innovation Ltd have recently published the results from the sheep producer intentions survey. This survey aids lamb production forecasts for Australia, allowing knowledge of any short-term supply over the coming year. The standout figures in the report are that 52% of Australian producers…
Business and Policy November 2025 – Sheep
October Trade Round-Up The volume of prime lambs coming forward for slaughter rose in October, with slaughter figures for the week ending the 18th of October to be 3% higher than last year. The price is reflecting the increased volume of lambs coming forward, with prices decreasing slightly each week. While September ended with an…
Increased Acorn Toxicity Risk To Livestock
Oak trees have produced many more acorns this year and there have been reports of acorn toxicity cases this autumn. Acorns can be attractive to livestock after a period of feed restriction or following stormy weather when large numbers are blown from the trees. Both acorns and oak leaves contain phenols and tannins such as…
Business and Policy October 2025 – Sheep
September Trade Round-Up The breeding and store trade has shown new record levels in many marts. Cull and prime prices remain above levels from last year. For the week ending 20th September 2025, the SQQ stood at 670.2 p/kg DW, some 0.29p/kg DW ahead of the same week last year. For the same week, the…
Ewe Milk Replacer Factsheet
Surplus lambs are an inevitable part of lambing time and there are several reasons why lambs need to be artificially reared. Once the decision has been made that a lamb needs to be artificially reared, it is important it has the best possible start, whether it is to be sold or reared on the farm….
Business and Policy September 2025 – Sector Focus: The Cost of Infertile Gimmers
It is fairly common for gimmers (ewes lambing for the first time at two years old) to have a lower pregnancy rate than mature ewes in their first-year lambing. After all, they are still growing themselves as well as developing offspring and also the products of conception (i.e. placenta, udder development, and colostrum). However, we…