Buoyant livestock trade bodes well for 2021

Phil Stocker, National Sheep Association chief executive, highlighted import and export volumes were down by 7 per cent (45,650 tonnes shipped weight) and 9 per cent (62,800t) respectively this year to date, while productivity levels remained fairly consistent.

He said: “This suggests domestic sales have been strong and we have seen positive prices for new season lamb in the last nine months.

“It is a surprise to see store lamb prices still remain high, given what is around the corner in terms of uncertainty about the sheep meat market, but we are seeing more lambs finished, suggesting many farmers will not bring as many lambs forward in January.”

Mr Donaldson added that there has been a large number of lambs gone lightweight to Southern Europe in the last six weeks, taking those store lambs typically finished in early spring out of the system.

He said: “Farmers are likely to see more level trading in the next three four months as a result.”

While Mr Stocker remained positive about the sheep meat market, he added it is clear the sector will face some disruption regardless of deal or no deal with all the uncertainty around EHCs, health marks, freedom of movement and potential backlog of products.

Mr Donaldson also warned consumers could trade down on protein if the economy plunges into the abyss with business closures and recessions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.