Survey indicates 59% increase in sheep flock

Sheep farmers are on course to lead the way in Irish farming expansion.

Farmers plan increases of 52% in milk output, 40% in beef output, and almost 60% in sheep numbers between now and 2021, according to a survey of 275 farmers in recent months by Dr Pat Bogue of Broadmore Research on behalf of Ulster Bank, in association with the Agricultural Consultants Association.

Almost 60% of sheep farmers surveyed plan to double their flocks on average by 2021, giving an increase of 59% in the national flock.