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UK breeding flock holds steady in December
Thursday, 25 March 2021
By Bronwyn Magee
As of the 1 December, the total sheep population in the UK totalled 21.84 million head, 4% (930k head) lower than the same point in the previous year, according to the latest survey from Defra.
Within this, the UK breeding flock held steady at 13.86 million head, virtually unchanged on the previous year (+6k head). This is in line with our latest sheep market outlook, and comes as GB finished lamb prices continue to trend well above year earlier levels, which lends support to producers maintaining flock numbers. A steady breeding flock suggests the 2021 lamb crop is expected to be similar to last year, although this will depend on weather conditions throughout the lambing period.
As such, the majority of this decrease in total sheep numbers came from other sheep and lambs, down 11% compared to the same period in 2019. This reflects the tighter supply we are seeing currently, which is helping to support the higher prices.
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