Confidence returning to sheep sector as lamb and wool prices rise

A RENEWED level of confidence is emerging in the sheep sector which has 30,000 producers at farm level, nine major processing plants and an output value of more than €250 million.

Irish Farmers Association president John Bryan, made his remarks at the Clik All-Ireland and International sheep shearing championships in Portlaoise. He said exports, mainly to France, Britain, Germany and Spain, are worth €170m.

Provided the increase in lamb prices is maintained the sector can recover and grow at farm level, he said.