CAP reforms a boost for sheep farmers

CAP reforms would be a good thing for sheep farmers, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association claimed yesterday.

ICSA Leinster vice-president John Deegan said there would be no more collapsing of the market with the end of retention, and lambs could be kept on cattle farms without affecting extensification.

Specialist sheep producers could also take on sucklers without having to buy expensive quota, and there would be more customers for store lambs, Mr Deegan said.