The number of sheep slaughtered in Ireland in January was recorded at 187,800, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

That marks a decrease of over 72,000 head or 28% when compared to the January 2024 figure of 260,000.

The latest data, published today (Thursday, February 27), also shows that the number of cattle slaughtered in the first month of this year is estimated to be 163,800 head, which is a decrease of 1.4% or 2,300 animals on 2023.

The analysis of the data for January 2025 compared with the same month last year shows pig slaughterings remained largely unchanged at 298,000 head.

Earlier this week, the CSO launched a new online resource for information on agricultural environment.

According to the CSO “agriculture will play an increasingly important role in addressing climate change” which in turn, according to the office, makes it “essential to develop a comprehensive understanding of it’s impact on climate, environment, and biodiversity.

“The CSO is addressing these data needs with a new and easy to use Agri-Environment Indicator (AEIs) landing page, which contains the most up-to-date information on key themes,” it stated.

The AEIs measure the environmental impact of agricultural activities and highlight how ecosystems “positively contribute to agricultural production and society”.

This "one-stop-shop" provides easy access to a comprehensive list of AEIs across various themes monitored and reported by the CSO in one central space.

The CSO has outlined that the key themes monitored will include:

Agricultural land use;
Biodiversity, ecosystem services, and condition;
Climate and environmental impact;
Economic and social development;
Resource efficiency and management of natural resources;
Soil health; 
Water quality.

The themes were developed based on a review of various policies including Ireland’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan and the Climate Action Plan.