Storm’s record lambing loss

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 average.

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

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

The Beast From The East took 250,000 lambs