Sheep sector seeks recovery amid firm prices and signs of improvement

Producer and Rural Federation representative at INAC, Joaquín Martinicorena—also a leading sheep producer from Salto—stated at the Anuga 2025 fair that Uruguay’s sheepmeat industry is at a turning point. “We have to recognize that we’ve hit bottom. It’s time for processors and producers to work together on a plan or mechanism with minimum prices, similar to what was once the heavy lamb program,” he said.

Martinicorena acknowledged that currently “there’s no raw material to sell,” a situation that concerns both packers and exporters. However, he highlighted several encouraging signs: the recovery in wool prices, which have risen more than 30% in the past 50 days, and the growing interest in new meat breeds such as Dorper and Santa Inés, better suited to areas with limited labor availability. “That will gradually stimulate sheep production in the more traditional regions,” he noted.

The leader added that INAC, together with the Uruguayan Wool Secretariat (SUL), is working on initiatives to reactivate the sector. “There’s a willingness to take collective action. It’s a good time to rebuild confidence in the industry,” he said.

The international context also offers positive signs. Martinicorena mentioned that Romania, Italy, and Greece are facing outbreaks of diseases affecting small ruminants, which could create new export opportunities. He also pointed to progress with Israel, where sales of bone-in sheepmeat have surpassed US$ 10,000 per ton, reflecting strong and sustained demand.

Beyond sheep, the Rural Federation representative assessed Uruguay’s overall beef outlook abroad. “Europe and the United States remain firm, prices are good, and production is fully committed. Everything slaughtered this spring and summer already has a destination,” he explained.

With record livestock prices and an international market driven by the global shortage of animal protein, Martinicorena stressed that the priority is “not to speculate, but to seize the moment and market everything that’s ready.” Regarding the sheep sector, he concluded: “It’s time to rebuild the productive base. The signals are positive, and the market is waiting for us.”