Irish Sheep Prices Edge Higher as Kill Numbers Stay Low
Irish Sheep Prices Edge Higher as Kill Numbers Stay Low
Week Ending 5 October 2025 – Ireland
Irish sheep prices firmed slightly in early October as tight supplies continued to support the trade.
Average deadweight lamb prices rose to around €7.82/kg, up from €7.69/kg in late August. Most factories are quoting €7.75–7.85/kg, with higher returns for Quality Assured lots.
Processors report limited throughput, with weekly kill numbers remaining well below last year’s levels. Year-to-date slaughter is still down by almost 20%, reflecting smaller flock sizes and cautious on-farm selling.
Export demand remains steady, though buyers note increased competition from UK and French suppliers as continental production recovers.
Industry analysts expect the tight supply to keep Irish prices near current levels through October, barring any sharp fall in consumer demand.
Internationally, UK lamb prices averaged €7.70/kg, while Australian and New Zealand lamb traded lower at €6.50/kg and €5.10/kg respectively — keeping Ireland among the highest-priced markets worldwide.
See also: Irish Cattle Prices Slide as Export Demand Softens
Source: Bord Bia – Irish Food Board (Sheep Trade & Prices, October 2025)
(Rewritten and summarised for Meatex.co.uk)