Sheep News

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.

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.