Sweden's sheep farming industry is experiencing a resurgence after years of decline, with official statistics showing increased numbers of sheep farmers for the first time in several years. According to data from Jordbruksverket (the Swedish Board of Agriculture), the number of sheep and sheep farming businesses increased in 2025, breaking a long-term downward trend. Over 8,000 sheep farming businesses are now registered in the country.
The growth comes alongside rising consumer demand for domestic lamb meat. Sales of lamb meat reportedly increased by 600 tons in just one year, with all lamb meat produced in Sweden being sold. However, only 23 percent of lamb meat sold in Sweden is domestically produced, indicating continued reliance on imports despite the growing domestic industry.
Twenty-year-old Harry Johansson, a sheep farmer outside Umeå, noted the changing market conditions. "Slaughterhouses are paying more for lamb meat, so demand has definitely become greater," he said. Mikaela Johnsson, vice chairperson of Lantbrukarnas riksförbund (the Federation of Swedish Farmers), described the trend reversal as "incredibly exciting and important for Swedish consumers."
Producers are also receiving higher prices, with current producer prices reportedly double what they were in 2019. For the first time, Swedish slaughterhouses are paying higher prices than the EU average. The industry is now focusing on strategic efforts to increase opportunities for lamb production and enhance biological diversity in Swedish agriculture.