Red Tractor livestock and dairy consultation – NFU urges members to take part
Photograph: Phoebe Davies (R)
Red Tractor is seeking feedback into proposed changes into its Beef & Lamb and Dairy Standards to create clearer, more proportionate standards.
Summary
- 22 September 2026: Red Tractor launches the 6-week consultation.
This is your chance to share how your farm would be affected by the changes and make practical suggestions.
The changes have been developed in line with the sector board priorities by the Beef & Lamb and Dairy Technical Advisory Committees, made up of representatives from across the supply chain, and agreed by the respective Sector Boards.
By feeding into the consultation, members will be able to help shape the final standards that aim to deliver ‘real, tangible change’ for farmers and growers.
All feedback will be reviewed by the Beef & Lamb and Dairy Technical Advisory Committees and Sector Boards before confirming what proposals will move forward.
The deadline for this consultation is Tuesday 3 November.
To find out more, visit: Red Tractor | Red Tractor opens Beef & Lamb and Dairy Standards Consultations
Red Tractor launches consultation
Red Tractor launches a consultation into proposed changes to Red Tractor’s Beef & Lamb and Dairy standards.
Have your say
The Beef & Lamb and Dairy Sector Boards want to hear how the proposals would work in practice on farms, if there are any sections where better wording or more practical demonstrations of compliance could be suggested, as well as if anything is missing.
The proposed changes aim to add clarity by enhancing guidance and explanations, improving accessibility by grouping sections more effectively, and making standards more specific to individual farms and businesses.
Red Tractor has made it clear that the changes do not reduce credibility or assurance and that there will not be a lot of disruption to a farmer’s normal day-to-day activities.
Delivering real benefits
NFU Dairy Board Chair Ian Harvey said: “Significant progress has been made by the Red Tractor Dairy Board and Committee on improving assurance standards, making them clearer and easier to navigate. We are still working with the Technical Advisory Committee to streamline the audit process itself, recognising and rewarding compliance, to help place less pressure on dairy producers during inspections.
“I would encourage all dairy farmers to take part in this important consultation and help ensure these changes deliver real benefits on farm.”
Building confidence in the sector
NFU Acting Livestock Board Chair Clare Wise said: “Having had NFU board members and staff sit on the Red Tractor TAC (Technical Advisory Committee) to review the standards, we believe real progress has been made to reduce the audit burden and make the standards and audit points easier to understand and be more relevant.
“We hope this will help build confidence within the sector and encourage more beef and lamb producers into the scheme as they can see it delivers value and access to more marketing options.
“I encourage all Red Tractor members to take part in this consultation. Your feedback is vital in ensuring the standards remain practical, relevant and reflective of the needs of livestock farmers and the wider industry.”
The consultation closes on Tuesday 3 November.