A new report published by the National Sheep Association (NSA) has attempted to demonstrate the UK sheep sector’s positive role in sustainable agriculture.
The report, produced in association with Harper Adams University school of sustainable food and farming, also seeks to identify what more can be done to progress the sector and further improve its credentials.
‘UK sheep farming and the sustainability agenda: A review of the evidence and ways to deliver more’ was launched at today’s (Tuesday, July 30) NSA Sheep Event.
The NSA said the event was the ideal opportunity to release the report and its intention to influence, both now and in the future, areas of policy support, market development and practical applications at farm level.
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “Sheep farming has previously been criticised for being non progressive but this fully evidenced report shows the incredible contribution the sector makes to successfully managing land for food production, environmental outcomes, biodiversity and more.
“The report explores sustainability in all these guises and considers the trade-offs when required to meet multiple goals.
“The UK approach to farming sheep aligns with sustainable, regenerative interests in both uplands and lowlands.
“Our livestock are free to enjoy a life close to nature whilst farmers are increasingly focused on reducing inputs, striving towards responsible medicine use and management practices that will sequester carbon and deliver for a healthy, biodiverse environment.”
Stocker said there is more the sheep sector needs to do, and the report outlines what can be done by sheep farmers but also the support mechanisms required to best ensure this can be achieved.
Four pillars
The report emphasises that sustainability has four key pillars – environment, economics, health and society – and that all must be considered together rather than in isolation.
A 28-page summary of the full evidence review was published at NSA Sheep 2024, including key messages and farmer case studies.
Prof Jude Capper, of the Harper Adams school of sustainable food and farming said: “Sheep production is an incredibly important component of UK agriculture and has shaped most of the landscapes in which we live and work.
“At a time when the sector is beset by economic, environmental and social challenges, there’s a real need to recognise and celebrate the myriad benefits that sheep production provides.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with NSA in detailing the immense value of our sustainable, resilient, eco-friendly sheep production systems.”
Cumbrian sheep farmer Will Rawling contributed to the report and said: “‘UK Sheep Farming and the Sustainability Agenda’ highlights the importance of sensible and sympathetic land management, and that is part and parcel of what we do.
“On our farm we have moved away from the systems promoted by post war, cheap and plentiful food policies, whilst remaining productive and hopefully efficient in every respect.
“The environment in which we farm has supported generations of ours, as well as lots of other families of fauna and flora.”
Rawling said sheep farmers now also know that the carbon storage and sequestration capabilities of these diverse habitats are an important feature that will help to promote a healthy future environment.
Powys sheep farmer John Yeomans also provided a case study for the report.
Yeomans said: “To coin another’s phrase – live as if you’ll die tomorrow, but farm as if you’ll live forever. To that end we farm productively in a way that goes hand in hand with improving the environmental footprint of our business.
“Planting more than 40,000 hedge and tree plants, a small wildflower meadow and several ponds, much completed without grant aid, has all been part of this.
“It has been said by many but stands repeating, grazed livestock is a major part of the solution to our planet’s challenges, and not the problem.”
Stocker concluded: “This report shows that UK sheep farming has a sound base to remain sustainable for the future – producing fantastic nutritious food and renewable fibre, and leaving in its wake an attractive environment enjoyed by all.”
