Outlook 2016: Sheep farmers advised to graze rather than conserve winter forage

Despite the current weakness of the lamb trade, ewe slaughterings remain at low levels and a large UK breeding flock looks likely to be carried through into 2016. The October forecast for sheepmeat production in 2015 was for a 6% year-on-year increase, an overall rise of 15% since 2012, said Andersons director David Siddle. “Costs of production typically range from £1.90-£2.20/kg liveweight. This compares with current seasonal average prices of £1.60-£1.80/kg, meaning most producers still rely on support payments to […]