Sheep Matters - August/ September 2017

AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2017 15
Challenges
Key threats include a declining
demand for red meat
(especially lamb), BREXIT
and the impact that new
international trade deals will
have on our export markets,
the need to reduce the impact
of farming on the environment
resulting in the drive to
“produce more for less”
(sustainable intensification),
and a shrinking pool of skills,
labour and know-how as
fewer young farmers enter the
livestock farming profession.
Over-arching all of the issues
outlined above are the
impending changes to the
current subsidy system which
will inevitably pose a major
challenge to UK farming.
Opportunities
Over the coming months
SHEEP MATTERS will consider
how the maximum value in
UK sheep production may
be ‘unlocked’ as a means
of building resilience and
ensuring continuity into
the future. We will bring to
life these issues through
articles, analyses, interviews
and case studies. Our aim is
to provoke discussion and
debate as well as to highlight
where innovation in ideas
and practice is contributing
towards the long-term
sustainability of UK sheep
production.
Employment
What measures are being
implemented to address the question
of succession? How do we
encourage young people to become
sheep farmers?
Skills development
Are opportunities for skills
development in the farming and
rural sector being fully exploited ?
Protecting genetic diversity
Will the growth in the number of
composite breeds and herds affect
our traditional and rare breeds?
Building consumer demand
Is the industry making the most of
niche or new markets? How can
producers exploit the high welfare,
heritage, quality and environmental
credentials of UK sheep meat? Are
the demands for convenience and
healthy red meat options being
addressed?
Public goods
What is the role of sheep farming in
delivering ‘public goods’? Does
the sector gain value by enabling
access to ‘wild spaces’ and
contributing to a healthier and
happier society? Should farmers be
rewarded for their contribution?
Building value in wool
Can novel uses of sheep wool be
exploited to increase the value in
fleeces?
Using sheep milk
How are producers developing
markets for sheep milk and related
products such as yogurt and cheese?
Protecting our environment
Do upland farmers have a role to
play in protecting threatened
habitats, maintaining biodiversity
and reducing flood risk?
Vibrant communities
Is the value of upland sheep farming
as a driver to build sustainable and
vibrant rural communities
adequately recognised and
exploited?
Climate change
Can our sheep help to reduce carbon
levels and tackle climate change?