Ireland's sheep and cattle numbers dropped in June 2025 due to economic pressures, farmers say.

Ireland’s sheep population fell by 1.5% to 5.09 million in June 2025, according to CSO data, while cattle numbers dropped to a 12-year low of 6.9 million, a 3.9% decrease. The Irish Farmers' Association attributes the declines to economic pressures, rising costs, and weak market incentives, urging government support through financial aid, infrastructure investment, and market development to stabilize the sector.