ICSA Sheep chair Sean McNamara has said there is no legitimate reason why sheep prices are currently €1/kg behind where they were at this time last year. "I am furious, and every sheep farmer I know is furious. Over the last year our costs have gone through the roof, yet the meat factories somehow think it is acceptable to pay us significantly less than this time last year. It's an absolute disgrace," he said.

"On 5 Jan 2022 we were getting €7.30/kg on average, now the average is €6.30/kg. How are sheep farmers expected to survive when the price we are getting paid bears no reflection on what it actually costs to produce the product? Beef prices are ahead of where they were this time last year; all we are looking for is a bit of fair play for sheep farmers."

Mr McNamara said rumblings of further price cuts for next week are causing even more worry and anger. "Sheep farmers are already in a precarious position and factories threatening to pull prices even more next week just makes the situation even worse. There is true value in having a vibrant sheep sector for economic and environmental reasons and this needs to be recognised. The sector needs to be supported not decimated."