UK: The National Farmers’ Union livestock chair has concerns for Great Britain’s sheep sector

The livestock board chair at the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), Richard Finlay, has said he is concerned as Great Britain’s sheep sector continues to see falling lamb prices. “In recent days we’ve seen the old season lamb (OSL) deadweight price fall to 495p/kg, and the liveweight price fall to 234p/kg,” he said. “Many will remember that, this time last year, the deadweight price stood at 577p/kg and the liveweight price at 269p/kg. That is 20% higher than the current farmgate price.” Finlay said that huge increases in farm inputs of feed, fuel and fertiliser have seen his sheep rolls go up from £280/t to £400/t in 2023. Advertisement “I know this will present significant challenges to many sheep producers that are also having to contend with the phased reduction in BPS (Basic Payment Scheme) support,” he said. “I’m not alone in wondering if the offer provided by the new Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme will deliver that much needed support. “For ELMs to succeed it needs ...