National Sheep Committee

Achievements and Work Done

Lamb Prices and Market

Lamb prices were maintained at the strong 2011 levels for most of 2012. Prices slipped under 2011 prices during the Easter/spring period and also towards the end of the year.

Average lamb price for 2012 was €4.92/kg compared to €5.03/kg in 2011, a price drop of 2% or €2.20/lamb. UK prices were up about 4.2% at the equivalent of €5.42/kg including Vat.

IFA campaigned strongly on lamb prices throughout every week in 2012 outlining the top prices being obtained by farmers through effective text, app and agri media communications.

Supplies

Lamb supplies increased by 11.5% or about 196,000 head in 2012. This included a hogget carryover of about 65,000 which caused problems on the late spring market especially for early lamb producers.

Promotion and Retail

IFA worked closely with Bord Bia and retailers in 2012 maximising consumption on the domestic market.

The Irish market was the only EU market where consumption was maintained in 2012. IFA met with all of the main retailers highlighting the importance of the lamb category and issues of concern to producers and consumers.

IFA also worked to increase the number of farmers involved in Quality Assurance and securing a QA bonus at factory level.

IFA organised lamb forums with both the French and the UK on prices and markets.

Live Exports

IFA worked to get the live trade moving to maximise competition during the key Muslim festivals.

IFA also held a number of meetings with the Department of Agriculture on various live export issues including restrictions, certifications and marts.

Hill Lamb

IFA organised a seminar on the hill lamb market in Athlone in November with participation by Processors, Teagasc and Bord Bia highlighting the key issues of concern to hill sheep producers.

Sheep Grassland Payment

Despite a strong IFA campaign, Minister Coveney cut the Sheep Grassland Scheme by 22% in Budget 2013. This involved a payment reduction of about €2.10 to €2.20/ewe. Future payment of the scheme at €14m p.a. was retained.

CAP 2013

The National Sheep Committee has highlighted and campaigned for a strong coupled payment for vulnerable sectors like sheep dependent on direct payments in the CAP 2013 negotiations.

Sheep Ireland

IFA worked to develop and implement a strong Sheep Breeding Programme in 2012 including new producer funding arrangements which also involved a reduction in scrapie levies at the factories.

Teagasc

IFA worked with Teagasc to develop both the Sheep Advisory and Research programmes on sheep.

Sheep Tagging and EID

IFA continued to adopt a minimalist approach to EID on sheep identification minimising costs and bureaucracy on farmers. IFA has highlighted the problems of lack of proper tolerances, cross compliance, welfare/sore ears and the one tag for life issue with EID implementation.

Dog Control

IFA introduced an effective campaign on responsible dog control including a radio advertising campaign and media coverage.

Producer Groups

IFA organised two producer group meetings in 2012 to help maximise lamb prices and develop sheep breeding through Sheep Ireland.

Fencing and Handling Equipment

IFA encouraged producers to apply for 40% grant aid under the TAMS on fencing and handling equipment. €3m TAMS funding for sheep was retained in Budget 2013.

Sheep Discussion Groups

IFA secured €3m in funding for Sheep Discussion Groups in Budget 2013 at a payment rate of €1,000 per producer.

Priorities for 2013

Lamb Prices and Incomes

IFA will continue to work to ensure the strongest possible lamb prices and improve incomes for sheep farmers in 2013.

Promotions

IFA will work to maximise the return from the important domestic market through strong promotion with Bord Bia and working with retailers.

Direct Payments

IFA will insist on prompt payments of all Direct Payments to sheep farmers including SFP, DAs, SGS and STAP.

CAP 2013

IFA will insist that sheep farmers are properly protected in the CAP 2013 negotiations.

EID/Tagging

IFA will continue to pursue a minimalist approach to EID, limiting costs and bureaucracy on farmers.