2024 was a record year for Irish sheep farmers

Analysis of the factory prices paid to producers during 2024 shows that the average 775c/kg — compared to 660c/kg average for 2023 — set a new record as the highest ever.

Sheep prices / lamb prices

Lamb producers benefited from a 17.4% increase in prices averaged over 2024, which has ended on a high note for the sheep farmers.

While poor grass growth during the first half of the year impacted heavily on producers finishing their lambs for market, good autumn growth of grass and the strong lamb prices during the final months of the year provided some recompense for breeders and finishers.