Sheep prices to hold between 2,000 and 6,000 MAD ahead of Eid al-Adha

With less than two months before Eid al-Adha, livestock breeders in Morocco say supply is expected to be strong this year, with sheep prices likely to range between 2,000 and 6,000 dirhams ($200–$600).

Despite rising feed costs, particularly for imported products such as barley, corn, soy and bran, breeders remain broadly optimistic about the 2026 season.

Miloud, a breeder in Chichaoua, said feed prices have increased, noting that a 50-kilogram bag of barley has risen by about 15 dirhams. Still, he expects sheep prices to remain stable due to ample supply.

Similarly, Jawad, a breeder in Beni Mellal, said higher feed costs are unlikely to significantly impact market prices. “Prices should remain affordable, between 2,000 and 6,000 dirhams,” he said.

Industry figures estimate Morocco’s national herd at a record 30.6 million sheep and goats, boosting domestic supply and raising expectations that prices will remain within reach for most households.

With supply expected to exceed demand, professionals say buyers should find animals across a range of price points, marking a shift after years of drought and rising costs.

Still, breeders warn that feed prices continue to climb due to global pressures. Jawad said costs have been increasing since the Russia-Ukraine war, as many raw materials, including corn, are imported from Europe. Higher fuel and transport costs have also contributed to rising prices.

Although recent rainfall has improved pasture conditions, many breeders say it has not significantly reduced production costs. Hicham, a breeder in Settat, said livestock destined for Eid is typically raised on prepared feed rather than natural grazing to preserve meat quality.

“Eid animals do not rely on pasture grazing,” he said, adding that natural pastures remain insufficient.

Breeders also warn that feed prices could rise further amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East, which have pushed up fuel and transportation costs.

Abderrahmane Majdoubi, president of the National Association of Sheep and Goat Breeders, has previously said that allowing ewes to graze can reduce costs. However, he noted that this approach is not suitable for rams intended for Eid sacrifices, which are typically raised on compound feed and alfalfa.

Majdoubi also raised concerns about accelerating feed prices, which he said have been increasing by 40 to 50 dirhams per month, with average costs reaching about 4 dirhams per kilogram. He warned that some suppliers may use international tensions, including developments involving Iran, to justify further price increases, even though barley remains widely available domestically.