June 26th 2014

Farmers are selling wool at a loss, according to ICSA Sheep Chairman, Paul Brady.

“The average sheep produces 2½ to 3kgs of wool, and with top prices for good lowland wool coming in around €1.20/kg, famers are not recovering their costs at present,” said Mr. Brady.

“Shearing costs €2 to €3 per head depending on flock size, plus there is the added cost of an additional man unit for each day of shearing. Farmers must also carry the cost of transporting the wool to the buyer, further decreasing the opportunity to make any profit.”

“Wool is an all-natural, environmentally-friendly product,” continued Mr. Brady. “Sheep’s wool products are sold at premium prices by retailers, yet primary producers are unable to cover their costs.”