Sheep Price Row Intensifies in Ireland
IFA Criticises Sheep Factories Over Pricing Dispute
The Irish Farmers’ Association has accused sheep processors of failing to reflect true market returns in current lamb pricing.
In a statement issued on 23 February, the IFA described recent factory pricing behaviour as unacceptable and out of step with prevailing market conditions. The association argues that tighter domestic supplies and stronger prices in key UK and EU markets should be supporting higher farmgate returns.
The IFA has pointed to significantly higher lamb prices in Britain and across parts of continental Europe, maintaining that Irish processors should be passing back the full value of the market to producers.
Sheep kill numbers have remained relatively tight, adding weight to farmers’ claims that supply fundamentals do not justify subdued pricing. However, processors have previously cited retail resistance and market volatility as constraints on upward price movement.
Source: Irish Farmers’ Association | 23 February 2026
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