Sheep
Business and Policy November 2026 – Sheep
Prices for prime lamb and cull ewes remain firm as we enter the last quarter of 2026 driven by an overall tightened lamb supply highlighted in the 2026 June census. The store trade is also showing strong demand particularly for long keep lambs with some optimism building for early 2027 prices amid a predicted lower…
Sustainable Sheep Systems Case Study: Reducing Lamb Losses at Carstairs Mains
Following significant lamb losses in 2018 an investigation suggested excessive iodine intake in pre-lambing diet could be to blame. Farm Background Andrew Baillie farms at Carstairs Mains Farm in South Lanarkshire alongside his brother Ian, wife Jennifer and their three children, Cameron, Rachel and Lauren. The family farm extends to 650 acres and supports a…
Getting Started with Sheep – Equipment List
Having the right equipment from the start can make a big difference to the ongoing ease of managing your flock. Below is a list of equipment that is essential for handling a small flock (less than 10 ewes). Use it to check you have everything you need. Getting Sheep In and Handled First Aid and…
Beginners Guide to Vaccination & Dosing Sheep
Vaccination and dosing are fundamental skills for every sheep farmer. While the process may seem complicated at first, following a few basic principles can make a big difference. Store medicines correctly, use the right equipment, follow manufacturer instructions and maintain good hygiene at all times. Most importantly, seek advice from your vet if you are…
Designing Sheep Handling Around Behaviour
A well-designed sheep handling facility is an essential component of any successful sheep farming business. Whether opting for a heavy-duty fixed handling system or a temporary mobile handling system, layout planning is a cost-effective use of time. A handling facility that encourages sheep to flow through the system by taking advantage of their natural sheep…
Business and Policy October 2026 – Sheep
Tight Supply And High Demand Driving Trade September has seen the prime lamb trade rise again amid tightened supply, estimated to be 5% down on the 5-year average, coupled with continued high demand. Domestic demand is being largely driven by the southern areas of the UK where throughput is down following prolonged drought, reducing grazing…
Business and Policy September 2026 – Sheep
Pressure on industry increases supply into August August has seen a slightly more unsteady prime sheep market with prices continuing to decline through the month. Although prices have shown a sharp decline, this is largely in line with typical season trends, with last year’s trade reaching a base in mid-September before seeing some recovery as supply tightens again towards of the end of the year. Other industry pressures have also…
Business and Policy August 2026 – Sheep
Seasonal Declines Supported by Slower Supply Prime lamb prices have continued to ease into July following typical seasonal trends although remaining above the 5-year average and ahead of this time last year with deadweight SQQ sitting at 809.2p/kg (w/e 25th July 2026) +55.1p/kg year-on-year (AHDB, 2026). Well fleshed lambs are certainly demanding a premium. Although supply has seasonally increased with grass fed NSL hitting the market, 2026 prices continue to be supported by an overall tightened supply following early marketing of hoggs this year. Scottish auction…
Business and Policy July 2026 – Sheep
Tightened supply supports strong market into summer The GB deadweight SQQ lamb price has remained largely steady over the start of June from its high in late May of 944.1p/kg (w/e 23/5/26). With old season lamb supplies very much coming to an end, domestic supply has remained tight towards the start of the month with lower number of new season lambs coming forward across the UK. However, with more new season lamb now starting to reach a finish, following a flush of grass, we have seen prices…
Business and Policy June 2026 – Sheep
New season lamb in high demand The strong market experienced from March has continued to grow well past the traditional period of peak demand over Easter and Ramadan. Prices have continued to soar as we head further into new season lamb with prices peaking around 942.5 p/kg for a R3L (w/c 23rd May 26) now ahead of prices seen in 2024 (peak of around 926.4p/kg) and far exceeding this time last year (Source: AHDB, 2026). Liveweight prices are following a similar trend but are starting to show…