Sheep Herd: Abundant Supply, but at What Price?

After the month of fasting and the celebration of the holiday, Moroccan households have their sights set solely on the Eid al-Adha sacrifice—a ritual of utmost importance in the Muslim world. According to astronomical calculations, Eid al-Adha in Morocco is expected to take place in just over two months, on May 27 to be exact, but subject to lunar observation by the Ministry of Habous (Ministry of Religious Endowments ). In the meantime, preparations are well underway among livestock farmers, especially since the sacrifice did not take place in Morocco last year due to the drought.
Theoretically, this year’s Feast of the Lamb looks promising given improved weather conditions, exceptional rainfall, abundant fodder and pastures, and the availability of livestock feed… All of which have allowed for a healthy replenishment of sheep, goat, and cattle herds… According to corroborating sources, the latest official census of the national livestock population reports more than 32.8 million head (sheep and goats combined). Furthermore, Morocco is continuing its livestock import operations, particularly from Spain, Portugal, and Romania, in order to stabilize the market and prevent speculation. Given all these factors, supply is more than sufficient to meet the needs of Moroccan households during the Feast of Sacrifice. Domestic demand for Eid al-Adha is expected to range between 5.5 and 6 million head.
Given these favorable conditions, it stands to reason that sheep prices should be affordable. At this stage, experts are forecasting “reasonable” prices. All signs point to price ranges being slightly lower than the record highs recorded two years ago (2024). According to our sources among farmers, on average, one should expect to pay between 3,000 and 4,000 dirhams (USD 321.51 and 428.68) for a medium-sized sheep weighing between 40 and 50 kilograms (88 and 110 pounds)
But even though, in theory, everything points to reasonable prices and despite abundant supply, nothing prevents price hikes and speculation. This is because prices remain influenced by the cost of livestock feed and transportation. Furthermore, many farmers will be tempted to make up for lost income, since the sheep slaughter that was canceled last year injects significant revenue into the agricultural ecosystem in particular and the rural world in general.
To prevent speculation, the Ministry of Agriculture is calling on all farmers and livestock breeders “to fully commit and mobilize to ensure the success of the Eid al-Adha operation.”.
A.R.