Sheep News

Scottish farmer Janet McQuistin speaks to Farmers Guide about rural life, the power of social media in overcoming isolation, and how she finally achieved her dream of farming full-time, despite the opinions of a school guidance counsellor.

The redistribution of red meat levies to take account of cross-border livestock movements between England, Wales and Scotland has been agreed by all three nations, and will be implemented on 1st April 2021.

Rural consultant shares top tips to ensure farmers meet their legal responsibilities when animals return to fields – especially where there are public rights of way across land used for livestock.

Derbyshire farmer Tori Stanley believes high standards of animal health and welfare, a short food chain and sustainability are all possible – but the industry must speak with one voice, regardless of their farming system.

Worming ewes around lambing remains a common practice in UK flocks, but with most sheep farmers now aware that over-use of wormers is a major factor in the development of anthelmintic resistance, SCOPS is urging producers to think about whether they can safely reduce the number of ewes treated.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) says it has made the “difficult and disappointing” decision to postpone its major regional events this year.

To reduce the selection pressure for anthelmintic resistance (AR), experts are advising farmers worming ewes around lambing to treat according to their body condition score (BCS) rather than carrying out blanket treatments.

A Welsh border collie has become the world’s most expensive sheepdog, smashing the previous record of £20,000.

Grazing livestock on winter cereals could help aid soil biology, allow for earlier drilling dates, control pests and diseases and influence yield potential, according to recent results from a trial carried out on a mixed farming enterprise in Angus.

Introducing tree leaves to a sheep’s diet could play an important role in reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, suggests research presented at the Intercropping for Sustainability conference.

Eight-point plan helps sheep farmers prepare for the 2021 lambing season.

Industry experts will offer sheep farmers concise and useful information every Wednesday morning, to help tackle change and uncertainty in the industry.