Wales’s Sheep Population Sees Significant Decline

According to common stereotypes, Wales has long been widely recognized for its rugby, choirs, and sheep. However, the sport of rugby is currently facing difficulties, the number of choirs is diminishing, and the sheep population is also experiencing a decline. New statistics reveal that the Welsh flock, which numbered nearly 12 million in the 1990s, has fallen to just 8.75 million in 2024. This figure represents almost its lowest point in over a decade, according to the Welsh government’s latest agricultural survey, and chickens now outnumber sheep. This prompts the question: why have sheep numbers decreased so sharply in a country where Welsh lamb is considered one of its most valuable exports? Dr. Lisa Morgans, a senior animal welfare lecturer at Royal Agricultural University, commented, “The decline in sheep in Wales is definitely quite stark.” She added that the reasons for this are “multi-factorial.” Dr. Morgans explained that there has been “declining consumption of lamb and beef in the UK over the last couple of decades that has matched the decrease in people’s cooking times: the average time per household is down to 15 minutes a day.” Leaving the European Union, Dr. Morgans noted, has also had an effect. She stated, “In the last few years we have had Brexit, leading to a slow decrease in subsidies for farms which has changed the business landscape.” She further suggested, “That might have caused individual farmers to think about moving to different sectors.” The Covid pandemic and its impact were also cited as a contributing factor. Dafydd Jarrett, the national food and farming adviser for National Farmers’ Union Cymru, stated that disease has led to fewer lambs being born, and farmers are also keeping fewer animals due to rising costs. Mr. Jarrett remarked, “Fertiliser costs have gone up, feed costs have gone up.” He continued, “So the less mouths there are to feed the lower your costs, but that then affects your output.” A decrease in sheep numbers has also resulted in fewer animals being slaughtered. Mr. Jarrett said, “Processers are quite worried they’re not getting the amount they used to through their abattoirs.” He added, “They are finding it difficult to source enough lambs for customers.” Regarding chickens, Wales has 11.8 million of them, with 4.4 million kept for laying eggs. In England, poultry numbers stand at 129 million, and in Scotland last year, the figure was 11.7 million. Mr. Jarrett attributed the difference in chicken and sheep numbers to demand. He explained, “The main reason is the price, there is a price deferential.” He elaborated, “Welsh lamb is targeting the higher end of the market but chicken is more of a commodity market.” Catherine Smith, chairwoman of Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotion Wales), reported that breeding ewes have decreased by 1% since 2023, indicating that fewer lambs will be born. She stated, “Welsh flock numbers continue to trend lower than historical levels with current numbers still trending 8% below 2021 levels.” She also mentioned that Hybu Cig Cymru’s September 2024 survey of farmers suggested optimism among them. She affirmed, “The red meat sector in Wales is a key part of Wales’ foundational economy and ensuring critical mass in the sector is crucial.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information on their approach to external linking can be accessed.