Positive prospects for lamb farmers as EU forecasts tighter supplies

The prospects for lamb remain positive with the European Union forecasting reduced production and tighter supplies for 2014 and 2015.

Irish Farmers’ Association sheep committee chairman John Lynskey said the EU was predicting sheepmeat output in the member states to contract by just under 1% in 2014 to about 916,000 tonnes, with most countries indicating a further decline in supplies for 2015.

The fall in production is largely driven by lower output in France, Spain and Germany. French production is expected to be down 2.5% with some recovery next year. However, production in Britain and Ireland is set to rise in 2014.