NSA calls for engagement in consultation to reflect reality of commercial sheep farming

The sheep industry must actively engage with Defra鈥檚 long-awaited consultation on castration and tail docking methods to ensure future policy reflects the realities of commercial sheep farming, the National Sheep Association (NSA) has said.

Livestock Specialist

20 January 2026 鈥� 2 min read

The consultation, launched by Defra, aims to move the sector towards lower-pain methods and follows a series of recommendations from the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC). However, the NSA has warned that...

Early maize harvest likely as crops forge ahead

The UK maize crop is running ahead of the seasonal average in terms of accumulated heat units, raising the prospect of a potentially early autumn harvest in many regions

Farmers Guardian

31 July 2026 鈥� 4 min read

Livestock

'Neutral time must remain' under proposed transport reforms, warns LAA

Proposed changes to livestock transport and journey time rules could fundamentally undermine the UK's livestock marketing system unless the Government secures an exemption for time spent in livestock markets, according to the Livestock Auctioneers' Association (LAA).

Ellie Layton

31 July 2026 鈥� 4 min read

Livestock

How Beltex have added value to a traditional Welsh sheep enterprise

On a traditional Welsh upland mixed farm, the Beltex breed has become an integral part of the sheep enterprise, proving both its versatility and value. Ellie Layton reports.

Ellie Layton

31 July 2026 鈥� 8 min read

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