Livestock Farmer Focus: Victor Chestnutt laments the decline in sheep production

For almost two decades I have been closely involved with the Causeway Coast Quality Lamb Group. This has been a group of local farmers marketing their lambs through Foyle Meats.

During recent years there has been a steady decline in sheep numbers in our area and we are down to about a third of our throughput as many farmers retired or moved out of sheep production, with those that remain reducing numbers.

Given that this situation is not peculiar to our group but a trend across Northern Ireland, it was inevitable the kill capacity in NI factories was too high. However, I was shocked and saddened to be informed by the owners that they intend to cease the slaughter of sheep, even though the factory had the best sheep lairage and largest slaughter capacity of any plant in NI.

Red tape and bureaucracy had its part to play in this decision with the ability to import sheep from the UK and the Irish Republic being severely hampered by both import regulations from the UK and EID tagging, leaving it almost impossible to import sheep from the south. Through the years we had many a disagreement with them, usually over price but we were always able to get over it and work together. I wish them all the best as they increase their beef kill and their pig slaughter business.

Ballymoney, our local show had a fine day with Zara’s Blues being reserve in the four interbreed competitions. Cattle shown were of their usual high standard and thanks must go to all the stewards who gave their time freely to create this event. In the sheep section, however, numbers were 30% down due to EID inspections when those farmers who had not received their tags would have had to risk part of their SFP to compete.