Wool markets are on the up

He explained: “There is a strong prospect that Ulster Wool suppliers will be receiving up to 40p/kg for the likes of Cheviot and Mule grades come May of this year, when our annual payments are issued.

“This is in total contrast to the 20p/kg on offer from independent merchants before Christmas.”

Kelly believes that farmers selling their wool in this way are missing out on an opportunity to maximise the value of a product that is, once again, securing a premium return on international markets.

He added: “Approximately 20 per cent of the wool produced in Northern Ireland is sold to independent buyers.

“These businesses do nothing to promote or add value to the wool they receive.

“This is in total contrast to the commitment made by Ulster Wool and British Wool to secure the best possible prices for the fleeces delivered to Muckamore by sheep farmers from across Northern Ireland.

“The wool is then grouped and sold at auction in the most efficient way possible. This is a totally transparent process with the best possible price then reflected back to flock owners.

“Keeping costs down is a priority for Ulster Wool. This is why it is so important for all sheep producers in Northern Ireland to support what is a co-operative-based system.”

The December 2024 agricultural census confirmed a four per cent drop in Northern Ireland’s total sheep numbers, year-on-year.

The equivalent figure for the rest of the UK was six per cent.

Brendan Kelly again: “The fall-off in sheep numbers is worrying. This reflects the high age profile of sheep farmers and the fact that livestock farming is finding it hard to compete with the likes of the dairy sector for land at the present time.

“But it’s not all bad news. It is encouraging to note that lamb prices remained strong throughout most of 2024. As a result, primary producers felt the direct benefit of this upward market trend.

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This should encourage flock owners to maintain and, hopefully, increase breeding sheep numbers as they look to 2025 and beyond.”

Brendan Kelly is a member of Northern Ireland’s Sheep Taskforce. The group was established to secure bespoke support measures for Northern Ireland’s sheep sector.

“We met the farm minister, Adam Muir, back in October,” the Ulster Wool representative confirmed.

“At that stage he seemed quite supportive of a new support scheme for sheep.

“Minister Muir is to officially reply to the Task Force over the coming weeks.

“It’s important that the momentum generated last autumn is maintained.”

Brendan Kelly concluded:

“Obviously, this is all about money. However, recent weeks have seen the Stormont Executive commit to a longer term policy, where the future funding of agriculture is concerned.

“But, again it’s all about maintaining this momentum as 2025 progresses.”