The sheep industry in this country has shaped our landscape, with almost 70% of UK sheep living on land, such as mountains and hills, that can’t be used for growing food crops.
Richard Findlay, a sheep farmer in Westerdale, North Yorkshire and our livestock board chairman said: “British sheep farmers produce some of the finest quality lamb in the world. What’s more, we are proud to say that we have some of the most sustainable systems, using our natural resources and landscapes – landscapes which are often unsuitable for other types of food production – to turn inedible grass into a tasty, nutritious protein.”
Iconic landscape
Richard went on, “There is a real pride in sheep farming in this country – a pride which stems from the sector’s prominence in British history and culture, from how it has helped shape our iconic countryside through the ages to its incredibly high standards of animal health and welfare.”
Crucial time for British farming
This is a crucial time for British farming, as the government seeks to do free trade deals with countries around the world.
Sheep farming in particular faces challenges from recent and impending deals with Australia and New Zealand which could see sizeable increases in lamb imports coming into the UK tariff-free.
Ricahrd explains “This would under-cut many sheep farmers who are working with ever-increasing costs of production and changes to government support schemes.
“As we join Love Lamb Week, it is a good time to remind government that we can all benefit from a trade policy that recognises the value of British lamb, worth around £2.5 billion to the national economy, and it’s potential both at home and abroad.”
Find out how to get involved in #LoveLambWeek on the Love Lamb Week 2021 pages on the AHDB website.