Sheep

Sheep farmers are promised quality, durability and versatility when choosing Nettex’s Pedigree Cotton Harnesses that are compatible with most crayon markers on the market and claimed to last multiple seasons.

The North Country Cheviot, a hardy and versatile Scottish sheep breed first introduced to Wales in the 1970s, is celebrating its 40th appearance at the Royal Welsh Show this year.

Sheep farmers, vets and advisers are invited to attend free question and answer sessions hosted by SCOPS (Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep) providing practical advice on how to check if a worming treatment has been effective.

Returning for its sixth year to Builth Wells on Sunday 23rd July, the Welsh International Speed Shear is set to welcome talented individuals from across the globe to compete in aid of charity, with organisers anticipating a record number of entries this year.

Enzootic abortion (EAE) is responsible for considerable losses in the UK sheep industry. Yet, despite adequate vaccine availability and veterinary advice on disease prevention, the endemic disease is still present in many flocks, and many farmers only vaccinate after an outbreak.

Farmers are being encouraged to assess the risk of abortion in their sheep ahead of the next tupping season and work with their vet if necessary to minimise lamb losses next year.

A new initiative to breed sheep with naturally low methane emissions has been awarded £2.9m funding through Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme and will see farmers, researchers and businesses come together to make a positive contribution to UK agriculture’s journey towards net zero.

Farmers, breeders and smallholders in the East of England will have the opportunity to buy and sell pedigree Southdown sheep at a new early breeders sale taking place for the first time at Thrapston Livestock Market on Saturday 29th July.

Livestock farmers will continue to have uninterrupted access to key cobalt salts as emergency authorisation for cobalt in livestock feeds has been granted for England and Wales following approval in Scotland.

Sheep farmers are advised to be on high alert for a spike in the worm burden of lambs as recent wet weather is expected to cause a dramatic rise in the number of worm larvae on pastures.

After a late start to the blowfly season, recent hot weather has increased the risk to ‘high’ throughout the UK – and this will quickly rise further if there is any rainfall in the next few weeks.

A vaccine developed by Scottish scientists that is considered one of the most significant advances in global livestock health over the last 25 years has been given renewed recognition as part of this year’s RHASS Presidential Initiative.