Cold spell affects lamb quality in Kelduhverfi, Iceland

In June, a severe cold spell impacted lambs across Iceland, leading to worse outcomes than the previous year. A farmer from Kelduhverfi noted that, under normal circumstances, the lambs should have been in excellent condition given the weather that followed the cold snap.

During the harsh weather in early June, farmers were forced to shelter ewes and their newborn lambs shortly after the birthing period. Einar Ófeigur Björnsson, a farmer in Lón in Kelduhverfi, highlighted the difficulty of removing lambs from freshly sprouted grass. He remarked, “They won’t all switch to hay indoors right away. This results in a change in feeding, and while we have good hay, it is never as beneficial as fresh grass, especially for new growth.”

Lambs were kept indoors for an entire week after birthing, a situation Björnsson described as unprecedented. At about three weeks old, lambs typically experience their most rapid growth, and the prolonged sheltering caused stress, likely affecting their weight.

Additionally, adverse weather continued after the ewes and lambs were released onto the pastures, with significant rainfall and cold temperatures hampering the lambs’ development throughout the summer.

As the slaughter season approaches, it has been noted that the weights of the lambs are below last year’s figures. Björnsson expressed disappointment, stating that the cold outbreaks in June should have led to excellent lamb quality in Kelduhverfi, as good rainfall and warm days generally help both grass and lamb growth flourish.