Summary
Sheep numbers in the UK have decreased significantly, impacting farming and local diets. Farmers face challenges from rising costs, reduced subsidies, and increased competition from trade deals with countries like New Zealand and Australia. These changes have also affected traditional landscapes and reduced the consumption of sheep meat in British households.
Key Facts
- Sheep numbers in the UK have dropped to 14.7 million breeding ewes, the lowest in recent memory.
- Trade deals with New Zealand and Australia allow more imported lamb, increasing competition for UK farmers.
- Average British farmers are around 60 years old, and many deal with rising costs and lower subsidies.
- The national flock is predicted to fall to 30.4 million sheep by 2025.
- Household consumption of sheep meat in the UK fell from 128g per person per week in 1980 to 23g in 2024.
- Changes in sheep farming have altered traditional landscapes like the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.
- Farmers hesitate between keeping heritage practices and adapting land for biodiversity and nature recovery.
- Market activity at places like Craven Cattle Marts has significantly decreased over the decades.
