Sheep numbers in decline

This is reflective of a general reduction in sheep numbers across the EU, which has been in evidence for several years. There is certainly no fortune to be made in sheep, unless a producer has very large numbers and even then, the labour demands of managing big flocks quickly erode margins. It takes a lot of lambs to make the average industrial or even minimum wage. Apart from the financial returns from sheep production, some of the decline can be traced to an ageing of the shepherd population. Handling sheep is a physically demanding occupation, even with excellent handling facilities. In regions where sheep milk is the production focus – more than sheepmeat – there are also challenges. Cypriot Haloumi cheese production is declining to the extent that market demand is unlikely to be met. Likewise, as farmer numbers decline in the mountainous regions of Spain, the country’s famous Manchego sheep-cheese production may come under increasing pressure.
As Irish cow-milk production faces ongoing challenges from environmental regulations, nitrates restrictions, planning objections, and labour deficits, will more enterprising farmers consider milking sheep instead? There are commercial Irish sheep and goat milk farms selling high quality milk and cheese products at premium prices. More are required if the sector is to build further traction and service increasing demand at home and internationally.