A midpoint review of the UK Sheep Welfare Strategy has revealed good progress is being made as more farmers were encouraged to engage with the initiative.
Launched at the National Sheep Association (NSA) Sheep Event in Malvern on July 28, the review looks at key successes achieved since the strategy was published in 2023.
Developed through Ruminant Health & Welfare with input from farmers, vets, organisations and industry professionals, the strategy is set to formally conclude in 2028.
Key progress against the six goals of the strategy was discussed by NSA chief executive Phil Stocker, Sheep Veterinary Society president Philippa Page, and Gloucestershire sheep farmer Kevin Harrison during a panel session at the Sheep Event.
Phil Stocker said: “The reason we did this work back in 2023 was because we felt the need to take ownership of the whole agenda.
“There is widespread agreement as an industry that sheep welfare is really important. It is important on farm. It is important for the pride and satisfaction of what we do. And it is important for our reputation among the marketplace and consumers, as well as in terms of new trade deals.
“By continuing to work together across the industry, we can demonstrate the positive steps being taken on farm and keep building confidence in the high welfare standards achieved by UK sheep producers.”
The strategy created six core goals for better sheep welfare, supported by an industry working group which represents stakeholders from across the sheep sector. The six key goals are: sheep comfort; appropriate body condition; healthy feet; thriving lambs; collaborative flock management; and positive welfare.
Progress is monitored and reported to help ensure transparency and encourage continued improvement.
One of the report’s major areas of focus is sheep lameness and Philippa Page said this was a key challenge for the industry.
She said: “It is about looking at lameness within the context of your own farm and being honest about how much lameness you have. It is then about working with your vet or adviser to get those levels down because, with the right action, it is achievable.”
Phillippa said the case studies within the report could encourage other farmers to take positive action on sheep welfare.
She added: “This strategy gives farmers ideas. It isn’t about saying ‘this is what you should do’, it’s about sharing examples of what’s worked on farms and encouraging discussion.”
Kevin Harrison said the report’s aims and ambitions were key targets upon which farmers could enhance the health and welfare of their own animals.
He added: “If you’ve got those six welfare building blocks in place then you stand a great chance of improving flock performance and the wider performance of the business.”
The review of progress is now available on the Ruminant Health & Welfare website; Sheep Welfare Strategy 2023-2028 – Review of Progress Report – Ruminant Health & Welfare.
