Sheep Matters_Aug-Sept 17 (redesigned)

Are we maximising value?
The sheep sector is
facing significant
challenges and its
long-term survival will
depend on building a
sustainable production
system in the UK that
maximises value in the
industry.
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?
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?
Skills development
Are opportunities for skills development
in the farming and rural sector being fully
exploited?
Building value in wool
Can novel uses of sheep wool be exploited
to increase the value in fleeces?
Protecting genetic diversity
Will the growth in the number of
composite breeds and herds affect our
traditional and rare breeds?
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?
Eric Isselee©123RF.com
Climate change
Is the value of upland sheep farming as
a driver to build sustainable and vibrant
rural communities adequately recognised
and exploited?
Vibrant communities
Is the value of upland sheep farming as
a driver to build sustainable and vibrant
rural communities adequately recognised
and exploited?
2017 AUGUST & SEPTEMBER
17