Sheep News

Asia and the Middle East have helped boost red meat exports from the UK in what has been an incredibly challenging start to the year, AHDB says.

The decision by Natural England to grant a licence for the release of up to 60 white-tailed sea eagles in Norfolk has come as no surprise to the National Sheep Association (NSA), despite the concerns raised by farming organisations, local farmers and landowners during the consultation period.

Rural groups have welcomed moves to tackle certain rural crimes, as well as red tape around planning permission, but reiterated calls to ensure food imports match domestic standards.

A few months on from the official end to the transition period, livestock editor Sarah Kidby explores the key challenges and opportunities facing the sheep sector.

More than two thirds of the UK’s sheep farmers who responded to a recent survey said they have experienced an increase in sheep worrying attacks by dogs during the past year.

Farmers could face uncontrollable fly populations and costly health issues in their livestock when the weather warms up, if they don’t get ahead and protect their stock now, experts are warning.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has welcomed the launch of a new initiative exploring a structured approach to controlling sheep scab – and looks forward to coordinating the work in South West England.

The North Country Cheviot is experiencing a surge in popularity outside its Scottish heartland as awareness of the breed’s versatility and easy lambing continue to grow. 

Determined rural thieves are targeting expensive quad bikes used by farmers to tend to livestock during the lambing season, latest NFU Mutual claim figures reveal.

The British Meat Processors Association says dismissing trade disruption at the borders as short term ‘teething problems’ is no longer credible, as it publishes its Brexit Impact Report.

Spring visitors to the countryside are being urged to keep their dogs under control as rural insurers warn of a potential hike in sheep worrying over Easter.

With the majority of sheep farmers embarking on lambing from early spring, vets are urging farmers to test for Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE) if they experience abortions in their flock.