Sheep farmers face grazing pressures due to hot and dry weather

In a letter sent to the chief executive of the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), NSA has requested that earlier than usual grazing of land entered into the AB15 (two-year sown legume fallow) and AB18 (improved grassland fallow) be permitted.

A prolonged lack of rainfall has significantly reduced grass growth across many parts of the country, and as a result, sheep farmers are facing serious challenges in maintaining adequate forage for livestock.

Grazing availability is critically low, the potential for producing adequate winter forage stocks is limited, and movement constraints due to current bluetongue controls are also affecting forage availability.

NSA said it is concerned this could impact animal welfare and the future productivity of farm businesses if some flexibility is not introduced.

‘Pressing need’ during extreme weather

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “We would specifically request that the RPA consider allowing earlier-than-usual grazing on land entered into these two options that would usually provide valuable grazing in the late summer or autumn.

“Given the current circumstances, there is a pressing need to access these areas sooner than typically permitted under scheme rules. Such a derogation would help alleviate immediate forage pressures while still upholding the broader environmental aims of the scheme.”

Temporary adjustments to grazing restrictions have been granted in previous years during periods of extreme weather, and NSA believes this is a justified and proportionate response to current conditions that would allow farmers to plan accordingly and take necessary action to support their livestock whilst maintaining compliance with their schemes.

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