Sheep

All UK nations except Northern Ireland have seen a fall in the number of sheep and lambs, with Wales seeing the largest drop, likely due to increasing costs.

The Royal Bath & West Show, which has hosted many national events, is getting ready for the Southdown Sheep Society National Show in May.

Three lambs were found dead and a pregnant ewe had to be euthanised following a suspected dog attack in Stirling, Scotland.

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group has released the latest version of its popular ‘Know Your Anthelmintics Groups’ guide. The tool is a free and widely-used resource in the sheep sector.

Originating from Exmoor National Park, the hardy Exmoor Horn sheep breed is an ideal grazer for marginal and wildlife-rich grassland – securing its place as an important part of future farming businesses. Not only that, but it’s also valued for its high-quality fleece and meat. We spoke to the breeders’ society to find out more.

Jacob sheep offer a range of advantages, including their hardiness, ease of lambing, good temperament and good flavour – which can command a premium price. Farmers Guide spoke to the Jacob Sheep Society to find out more about the breed.

After a very wet winter and one of the warmest Februarys on record, parasite experts at the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group say the threat of nematodirus will be “extremely variable” in 2024.

At the beginning of February, a flock of sheep from Langford Farm, near Tavistock, in Devon were chased over three fields by out-of-control dogs. 45 animals were killed.

With numerous reports of Schmallenberg appearing in early lambing flocks this season, Farmers Guide spoke to Georgina Rigby, farm vet from Cross Counties Farm Vets – part of the VetPartners group. Mrs Rigby chairs the VetPartners Sheep Clinical Interest Group and runs the Cross Counties Flock Health Club. She also has a small flock of sheep at home.

Defra is contacting individual premises under restriction to inform them of the development.

Watery mouth is one of the biggest killers of newborn lambs, and since the primary treatment was delisted, there is a need to find alternative methods. Dr Tom Barragry, vet, veterinary pharmacologist and advisor to Provita Animal Health offers advice and outlines a range of products described by one farmer as a must-have in the lambing shed.

Levy rate increases proposed by the AHDB for the Beef and Lamb, Cereals and Oilseeds, Dairy and Pork sectors have received approval from ministers at Defra and the Devolved Administrations.