Peak season for lambs: Wolves remain a problem

Saxony's shepherds currently have their hands full at the height of the lambing season. On average, each sheep has one to two young. According to the Saxon Sheep and Goat Breeders' Association, the current price for lamb (live) is between 3.55 and 3.60 euros. However, it could still rise if demand increases. "The price is good, but feed costs have also risen drastically in the last year," said association head Regina Walther to the German Press Agency. Easter is very early this year and not all farms manage to get their lambs ready for slaughter - around 45 kilograms live weight - by this time

According to the association, the number of sheep in Bavaria is currently around 62,400. Over the past 20 years, the population has fallen by around 30,000. However, these statistics only include sheep with a population of 20 animals or more. In addition to herd sheep farming, there is traditionally a high proportion of so-called small sheep farms in Saxony.

Regina Walther argues that grazing sheep maintains and preserves valuable nature conservation areas and biotopes with rare animal and plant species. "Sheep also make a further contribution to biodiversity by transporting seeds and insects from one place to another in their fleece and droppings." Sheep are indispensable as landscape managers and in nature conservation. That is why the services of shepherds must be recognized accordingly. Since 2023, sheep and goat farmers have once again received a grazing premium, which the profession has fought hard for.

Wolves continue to be a problem for the sector. According to the Saxon Sheep and Goat Breeders' Association, 261 cases of damage with 948 affected animals were reported last year. In October alone, almost 200 sheep were killed.
"The removal of encroaching wolves is still the focus of discussions," said Walther. The debate also revolves around increased herd protection measures. Smallholdings in particular are being abandoned after wolf attacks.