Record lambing losses put down to prolonged cold weather spell

A record number of lambs were lost during the 2018 lambing season, according to the National Fallen Stock Company (NFSCo).

Prolonged cold weather after the Beast from The East storm resulted in more than 250,000 recorded lamb losses across the UK in March, April and May.

NFSCo chairman Michael Seals said adult losses were also the highest for five years and unassigned losses were 10% higher than the average.

National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker said: “If it wasn’t for the current strong finished lamb prices, sheep farmers would be desperate and there will be many individuals that have not benefited directly and are not out of the woods yet.”

NFU Scotland livestock committee chairman Charlie Adam said: “These NFSCo figures back up the anecdotal evidence received from many sheep keepers around the country. Stock losses are extremely upsetting and the impact is both emotional and financial.”