Results released by the Welsh government and Welsh meat body Hybu Cig Cymru  show there has been a 10 per cent increase in the number of lambs in Wales this year; analysts have suggested this is the result of farmers keeping ewe lambs on in response to a return to profitability and increased confidence in the sector.

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The rise in lamb numbers has led to a global increase in the Welsh flock, which has grown to 8.62 million animals. However, the overall number of sheep in the country remains well below the record high year of 1999.

HCC analysts blamed the legacy of foot-and-mouth, a history of unprofitability and the de-coupling of subsidies for the fall in Sheep numbers since the 90s, though they expressed optimism at this year’s rise. Lambing rates increased in 2011 thanks in part to ideal weather conditions.

France is the leading export market for Welsh Lamb, which benefits from Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. Last year, the value of Welsh Lamb exports to France was in excess of £78 million out of a total export trade of £111 million.

This summer saw an increase in Welsh Lamb sales, which rose 10.5 per cent over August and September compared to the same period in 2010. The data on the Welsh flock is available from HCC here.

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