In October 2024, sheep slaughter in France fell by 12%, with notable declines for lambs. Despite this drop in supply, lamb prices reached a record of €9.7/kg. Live sheep exports, mainly to Italy, increased by 23.6%.
According to a recent economic report from Agreste, the statistical service of the Ministry of Agriculture, the number of sheep slaughters fell by -12% between October 2023 and October 2024. “ Over one year, they are down 11.2% for lambs and 17.8% for cull lambs. », specify the statisticians.
In total, 214,100 head were slaughtered last October: 182,000 lambs and 32,100 cull sheep. Despite the seasonal drop in supply, demand remains strong. The average price of lamb is strengthening and reaching a record level of €9.7/kg of carcass. “ It exceeds the October 2023 price by 17% and the 2019-2023 five-year average by 30.9%. », specifies Agreste.
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In September, France exported 12,432 live sheep, an increase of 23.6% year-on-year and 3.4% compared to the 2019-2023 five-year average. These exports are carried out entirely within the European Union, three quarters of which (76%) are destined for Italy.
