2025 is coming to a close, and for sheep farmers across Ireland, it is a year that will likely be remembered fondly. After the challenges of previous years, the data is in, and the verdict from across the agricultural sector is clear: 2025 has been a remarkably positive year for the industry.
For those of us at Farm Tours Ireland, this vibrancy has been evident on the ground. During our sheep tours and farm visits this year, we have seen firsthand the renewed optimism among producers.
Here is a look back at why 2025 delivered for Irish sheep farmers, based on the latest industry analysis and national data.
Incomes on the Rise
The headline story of 2025 is the significant boost in farm incomes. According to the latest sector estimates, the average income on sheep farms jumped by approximately 33% this year, reaching an estimated €36,500.
This is a massive improvement on 2024 levels. For our international guests joining us on agricultural tours of Ireland, this financial sustainability is a key talking point, showcasing how modern Irish farming can be both traditional and profitable. While early forecasts had predicted a healthy rise, the strong finish to the year pushed these figures even higher than anticipated.
Record Prices Driven by Tight Supplies
If you have been following the market commentary this year, you will know that “tight supplies” was the phrase of the year.
The national sheep kill saw a dramatic reduction in 2025, with throughput down by nearly 20% compared to 2024 levels. This scarcity of product—mirrored across the EU and the UK—forced factories to compete hard for stock.
As a result, lamb prices held firm at record levels. National figures suggest that Irish lamb prices averaged 6-8% higher than the already high levels of 2024. Whether viewing store lamb sales or finishing units, our technical farm tour groups have witnessed a consistent and robust trade throughout the season.
Stable Costs and Helpful Weather
While prices went up, the cost of doing business thankfully stabilized.
- Fertiliser prices softened slightly compared to previous highs.
- Feed costs remained relatively stable.
- Weather: Generally, 2025 offered favorable grass growth conditions. This helped keep a lid on heavy feed bills, a stark contrast to the wet spring of 2024.
Schemes Playing Their Part
It wasn’t just the market returning value; government schemes continued to underpin margins. The Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) and the National Sheep Welfare Scheme combined to offer payments of roughly €25 per ewe. For many of the working farms we visit on our bespoke tours, these supports remain a vital safety net that helps boost the bottom line.
Tour Highlight: Norwegian Group Visit
A major highlight of our 2025 calendar was welcoming a Norwegian sheep farming group for a specialized technical tour. Their itinerary kicked off with the spectacle of the National Ploughing Championships, offering them a unique immersion into the scale of Irish agriculture.
Following “The Ploughing,” the group embarked on a curated series of farm visits. A particular standout was a trip to an Easycare sheep farm high in the Wicklow Mountains, where the group observed efficient, low-input systems operating in rugged upland conditions. The itinerary also included visits to progressive farms heavily involved with Sheep Ireland programs, allowing our guests to analyse the practical benefits of genetic recording and data-driven breeding decisions.#
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we look forward to the new year, the sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. Current outlooks for 2026 suggest that lamb prices could increase further, potentially driving average incomes up to €38,500.
Experience Irish Sheep Farming Firsthand
Reading about the success of the sector is one thing, but witnessing it is another. At Farm Tours Ireland, we specialize in bespoke agricultural tours that take you behind the scenes of Ireland’s most successful farming enterprises.
If you are interested in learning more about grass-based lamb production or want to meet the farmers driving this success, contact us today to book your 2026 Sheep Tour.