Fertilisers and ‘hassle factor’ blamed for sheep sector decline

Artificial fertilisers, plant protection products, the specialisation of arable enterprises and the ‘hassle factor’ of looking after animals, have all been responsible for the sheep sector’s sharp decline in lowland cropping areas.

However, visitors to this week’s Cereals 2017 event heard that the tide was on the turn - and more arable farmers are looking to see how they can bring back the “golden hoof ” of sheep onto their farms.

Launching a 16-page document ‘The Benefits of Sheep in Arable Rotations’ at the event, the National Sheep Association outlined the many advantages of sheep:

“Fifty years ago sheep were considered highly useful on arable farms,” said NSA chief executive, Phil Stocker. “They supported the rotation and helped keep weeds and cereal pests at bay, while adding manure and nutrients following crops could use.”

Recognising that not all arable farmers would want to commit to sheep, the document also provides a list of possible business structures which could be adopted to re-introduce sheep while offering opportunities for new entrants.