UK sheep inventory close to recent historic levels
The size of the UK national breeding flock grew last year, standing at 14.5 million head on the 1 December, according to Defra data. This is a growth of almost 3% on-the-year and a contrast to in England where the flock size contracted. The size of the UK national breeding flock grew last year, standing at 14.5 million head on the 1 December, according to Defra data. This is growth of almost 3% on-the-year and a contrast to England where the flock size contracted, informed AHDB in a press release.
The number of other sheep and lambs also increased, reflecting the expected slaughter pattern. Numbers are up on the year and in line with recent historic averages. However, the increased sheep inventory didn't put pressure on live lamb prices, which are constantly growing in the UK market. Liveweight lamb prices increased again in the week ending 30 March. The OSL SQQ rose by nearly 6p to 267.90p/kg. Auction market throughputs were 123,200 head, 19% more than during the same week last year, when numbers were on the tight side following the UK’s departure from the EU, reported AHDB at the end of March.
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