IFA estimates €10.5m 'wiped' off sheep farmers’ incomes so far this year 

The IFA said the "crisis in the sheep sector is deepening" as prices continue to lag behind last year’s levels.

Teagasc figures showed income levels on sheep farms dropped by over 80% last year to just €7 per ewe, which included the Sheep Welfare Scheme payment.

An estimated €10.5m has been "wiped" off sheep farmers’ incomes in 2023 to date when compared to the price differential from last year, the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has estimated. 

IFA national sheep chairman Kevin Comiskey has heavily criticised both meat factories and Government for the "lack of meaningful support" to sheep farmers.