The sheep industry expects a successful Easter period

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 03. 05. 09:56

This year’s Easter season holds hopeful prospects for Hungarian sheep breeders. The increasing demand in the European market is further enhanced by the coincidence of the early Easter and the Muslim holiday of Ramadan. According to the joint market overview of the National Chamber of Agriculture, the Association of Hungarian Sheep and Goat Breeders, and the Sheep and Goat Industry Interprofessional Organization, a significant part of Hungarian light lambs goes to Italy, but demand is also increasing in France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Last year, the domestic sheep industry experienced a small respite after the previous difficulties. After the drought, energy crisis, feed shortage and inflation in 2022, more favorable weather and falling feed prices helped the sector. In 2023, grazing and mowing also took place under more favorable conditions, which had a positive effect on the animals’ winter feeding.

Sheep breeders are encouraged by the Common Agricultural Policy, which runs until 2027 and supports extensive animal husbandry based on grassland with new forms of support. This change creates opportunities to access new resources and support opportunities.

However, the drought of 2022 left its mark on this market as well, and the number of sheep farms decreased slightly in 2023. The hope is that the improved fodder situation and the positive market environment will help replenish the herd. However, the demand for lamb meat is favorable and the market is constantly growing in Europe.