Although the dreadful weather over the summer of 2024 saw yields from forage drop sharply, the reasonably high milk price and lower feed costs meant margins remained firm. In fact, given the most favourable milk price, feed price ratio since 2001, the average margin over purchased feed (MOPF) was the strongest for a very long time, bar the milk spikes of 2022.

All reported health indicators saw year-on-year improvements. Mastitis dropped to 24 cases per 100 cows (down by two), and lameness from 37 to 34 cases per 100 cows. However, fertility last year saw a bit of a slide, most likely due to the poor-quality forage. Calving intervals extended by a day to 394 days, and days to first service crept up by two days to 72, the report found.

The age of cows at exit is steadily declining, but the proportion of selected versus forced culls has increased again, year on year. And given the higher milk prices, the cost of poor fertility and health increased, both on a per-case and per-herd basis.

Compare your figures

Emma Puddy, farm services specialist at Kingshay, said: “This year housing-focused, all-year-round calving herds had the highest MOPF per cow at £2,937/cow, and the highest margin per litre was achieved by the low- to moderate-yielding organic herds, at 41.15ppl.

“When it comes to MOPF, we are still seeing large ranges, even within the same production systems, where groups of herds have similar goals.”

Drawing on data from 1,064 conventional herds and 98 organic herds, the report showed a wide variation between the top and bottom quartile within each production system.

Organic herds made a strong showing after a difficult few years, with the milk price reaching a record high of 53.17ppl in March 2025. Milk from forage remains a key strength, with 44% of milk derived from forage compared to below 30% for conventional producers.

“It seems milk from forage is still very strongly linked to MOPF, with conventional herds in the top 10% for milk from forage achieving a margin that was 20% higher per cow and 14% higher per litre,” Mrs Puddy continued.

“The best way for a farm business to see where they are successful and where they could improve is by putting their figures side-by-side with other producers in similar systems. We hope that by publishing this report we can help farmers to do exactly that and to find ways to continue the positive trends we’ve seen.”

The full report can be found on the Kingshay website.

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The FFIS arrives at a pivotal moment for the agricultural sector as it transitions towards more sustainable and efficient practices.

The scheme offers farmers and crofters up to 100% funding for capital investments to support environmental efficiency and climate-related outcomes.

Nofence is particularly pleased to see virtual fencing recognised as an eligible capital item, broadening access to a technology that is already transforming how livestock are managed across the UK.

This marks another positive step by the Scottish Government in creating opportunities for virtual fencing adoption, following its earlier inclusion in the Crofting Agricultural Grants Scheme (CAGS).

Efficient livestock management

Nofence virtual fencing offers an innovative solution that works through a GPS-enabled collar that is connected to an easy-to-use mobile app via cellular network, allowing farmers to set and adjust virtual boundaries, the company explains.

This system enables farmers to precisely control grazing practices without the challenge of physical barriers – a scalable and adaptable system effective for both farmers and crofters.

By removing labour-intensive tasks, virtual fencing provides greater flexibility and oversight, freeing up valuable time to focus on other farm activities as well as supporting a more balanced and sustainable work-life routine.

For Rory Fyfe, who leads the Rewilding Kinkell Project and manages Kinkell Byre, an integrated farm wedding venue near St Andrews, Nofence virtual fencing technology has opened up new possibilities – not just for farming, but for community, ecology, and education.

He says: “The collars have worked very well for us. They make it easy to manage the cows and move them around, which is crucial in such a complex landscape with cliffs, paths, and public access. And the public can now see where the cows are through an online access tool, which has been great for local walkers and visitors.”

A more inclusive path to farming

Virtual fencing is not only changing how livestock are managed but also opens access to ecologically valuable landscapes that would ordinarily be impossible to fence.

Areas like steep slopes, coastal paths, woodlands, and conservation sites hold huge potential for biodiversity gain when managed through virtual fencing.

Often, livestock grazing is labour-intensive and time-consuming, but these tasks are now simplified by virtual fencing, enabling farmers to graze more land efficiently.

The Rewilding Kinkell Project is a prime example of this in action. By integrating conservation grazing with a wedding venue, the project not only operates productively but also delivers significant environmental benefits.

Mr Fyfe explains: “It’s a big collaboration to graze this area for the benefit of biodiversity, and we’ve been using Nofence collars with great success.”

Nofence has long believed that technology that benefits nature is pivotal to the future of farming, and virtual fencing is playing a key role in shaping this future –  one that delivers for farm businesses, improves environmental outcomes, and enhances the well-being of farmers themselves and the animals they care for.

The FFIS represents a major step by the Scottish Government to support farmers in making confident, forward-looking investments in farming.

The application window for the scheme will open on 14th July 2025 and close on 22nd August 2025, with full guidance and application details available on the Scottish Government’s Rural Payments and Services website.

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Rappa offers advice on making the most of the FETF grants, and provides a list of its eligible products.

What to consider

Eligible items: The grant supports a predefined list of items – these typically include livestock handling equipment, precision farming tools, robotic systems, slurry management equipment, and low-emission spreading equipment.

Some items must meet certain standards so ensure the model you choose qualifies. For example, if your mobile yard is not certified road legal, your grant funding will be refused.

Funding limits: The grant usually has a minimum value and a maximum cap per application or applicant and the fund typically covers a percentage of the item cost.

Applicant eligibility: Farmers, horticulturalists and contractors in England are eligible to apply – there are specific rules for each. You may need a rural business with a farm holding number or SBI (Single Business Identifier) to apply.

Application process: Applications are made through the DEFRA online portal. Be aware of deadlines – the current FETF round application deadline is 10th July 2025. Applications are scored on value for money, environmental benefit, and innovation.

Environmental objectives: Grants often prioritise equipment that reduces environmental impact (e.g. improves soil health, reduces ammonia emissions, or increases resource efficiency).

Quotes and supporting information: Some schemes don’t need quotes at application but may require them at payment stage. You should keep detailed records, including invoices, photographs and serial numbers.

Aftercare and conditions: You must use the equipment on your farm/business for a minimum period (e.g. five years). Be prepared for DEFRA or RPA inspections to ensure compliance.

Eligible products

The following Rappa products are listed as eligible under the FETF grant scheme.

FETF69: Mobile Sheep Handling Systems – Claim £4,880: Rappa Series 10 Standard, Super or Series 12 Tiltbed mobile yards are easy to set up with a modular design to expand with your flock. Rappa’s yards are built to suit your individual requirements, personally delivered and fully road legal.

FETF71: Sheep Handler – Claim £1,690: The Rappa RaceGrip is designed to work alongside Rappa’s mobile yard and allows for easy dagging, vaccinating, tagging and drenching. The double-grip mechanism requires no manual adjustment; the scissor-action panels automatically adapt to the animal’s size, including lambs.

FETF57: Electronic WeighCrate for Sheep – Claim £1,270: For simple weighing consider Rappa’s RaceWeigh. Working with a Rappa handing system, the RaceWeigh offers three-way drafting for fast stock sorting. The flared and railed gates, anti-jump bar and quiet operation encourage steady sheep flow.

Or for a stand-alone option, the WeighCrate may be right for you, Rappa says. It easily fits into any Rappa mobile yard or works within a fixed setting. The WeighCrate offers three-way drafting and two built in load bars for super accurate weighing.

FETF70: Fixed Sheep Handling System – Claim £2,525: Rappa’s new Fixed Yard Package is a robust system that offers simple solo operation and three-way drafting. The package includes everything you need for a static handling system, including: a Rappa StaticBase, 8ft panels, 7ft aluminium hurdles and three types of gate.

FETF82SH: EID Handheld Device – Claim £318: Essential technology for monitoring and recording livestock is also available. Rappa’s high-quality Stick Reader makes capturing a range of data quick and easy – helping you to make crucial decisions about your livestock’s health.

FETF80SH: Weigh Bars for livestock less than 300kg – Claim £550: Rappa’s available Load Bars work with Rappa weighing systems to provide the most accurate recordings. All Rappa models and specifications match what is approved in the grant guidance.

Application requirements

Rappa says it will provide quotes and invoices with clear descriptions. The company’s documentation includes: Full product details, proof of road legality, supplier information and clear pricing breakdown.

Note application opening and closing dates and consider lead times for delivery – Rappa says it will fulfil all orders within a grant-specified window – don’t wait to get in touch.

In the application, Rappa advises emphasising how its equipment improves animal health and welfare, enhances grazing efficiency and reduces labour or input costs. You may need to justify the impact in your application. Rappa says it can help you with this – all Rappa eligible products meet these criteria.

After grant approval, keep all receipts, records and take photographs – you’ll need these for your grant claim submission. Make sure to pay for and install the equipment within the claim deadline.

Rappa offers a free grant consultation service for its products to ensure you have a worry-free application. If you have any questions, get in touch with the UK-based team directly and they will help you with your application.

Last chance: Applications in England close at midday on Thursday 10th July.

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Dr Jason Aldiss, executive director at AIMS, said that while the QMS campaign promotes unity and a public show of commitment to the red meat supply chain, the association argues that without firm policy, financial backing, and practical support from the Scottish Government, such pledges are “little more than political theatre”.

He continued: “Having spent years demanding significant reduction in livestock number to meet their precious climate goals, ministers may claim they do not support the Climate Change Committee’s recommendation to cut livestock numbers, but their actions — or lack thereof — suggest otherwise.

“Not one substantive programme exists to stabilise or rebuild the national beef herd. Instead, years of dithering, weak leadership, and disjointed policy have stripped confidence from producers, who are quietly exiting the sector in droves.”

READ MORE: Scottish industry leaders call to support local red meat over imports

‘Scottish Government must act’

Mr Aldiss added that this is not simply a market adjustment. He called it “an economic clearance — a slow-motion dismantling of the suckler sector by political neglect”.

“The echoes of the Highland Clearances are chilling. This time, it is not the landowners driving people out but a government that has chosen gesture politics over governance.

“The Scottish red meat industry — producers and processors alike — are crying out for leadership. What they get instead are press releases.”

AIMS’ executive director explained that Scotland’s beef processors have made long-term investments in domestic supply, infrastructure, export markets, quality standards and Scotland’s premium beef brand, PGI Scotch Beef.

“They rely on a sustainable flow of cattle, which is now under existential threat. Rather than standing idly by while farmers sell off cows and grasslands fall silent, the Scottish Government must act.

“It must create a framework that offers genuine incentives for producers to maintain and grow herd numbers and ensure that processors have the raw material to continue adding value, providing jobs, feeding the nation and driving growth through exports to high-value markets.

“This is a moment for candour: without urgent, coordinated, and properly funded policy intervention, Scotland will lose a large part of its red meat industry. The silence from Holyrood is not neutrality — it is complicity,” Mr Aldiss concluded.

READ MORE: Consumers prefer home-grown meat rather than its cheaper imported alternatives

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The discounter’s fresh beef range is all Red Tractor Assured, giving customers the confidence that their products are traceable, safe and farmed with care. Lidl has written to Red Tractor, the National Farmers’ Union, and its suppliers to reassure them of this commitment and pledge ongoing support for the British agricultural sector. 

Richard Bourns, Lidl GB chief commercial officer, said: “British farming is recognised globally for its high standards of animal welfare, food safety and environmental stewardship. At Lidl, we know these values matter to our customers, which is why we proudly support and champion British agriculture. 

“As we enter our fourth decade in Great Britain, our commitment to these principles has never been stronger. We will not compromise on standards even if others choose to do so. Our commitment goes beyond maintaining high standards – it’s about standing by British farmers when they need us most and doing what’s right for our customers.” 

Consumers prefer British food

The NFU has recently reported that three major supermarkets have moved away from their pledge to source British beef. The union has become aware of beef from Uruguay, Australia and New Zealand hitting the shelves in Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s. 

This shift in retailer sourcing commitments comes at a time when British farmers are already facing an unprecedented number of challenges. Coupled with concerns over recent trade deals, further undermine the high standards of production that British farmers adhere to. 

This will also come as a blow to the public, who would like to buy more British food from retailers. 

New research by Red Tractor has revealed that 94% of UK consumers trust British-produced food more than food from other countries. 

Nine in ten people (90%) want to see more food produced in the UK. Meanwhile, just around a third of people say they trust food produced in the US (33%) and India (31%). This marks a steep decline from the Index’s 2023 findings of 74% and 62%, respectively. 

Many people believe these countries have lower animal welfare standards than the UK. Nearly three out of five Brits (57%) believe the US has lower standards than our own, potentially causing concern about products entering the UK market. This view marks an increase from 46% in 2023. 

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and the Scottish Red Meat Resilience Group (SRMRG) have also addressed their concerns about Scotland’s red meat supply chain to farmers and retailers during the opening day of the Royal Highland Show (RHS) 2025. 

As more imported beef is being trialled in key UK retailers and a reported 6% increase in imported red meat on display in supermarkets this year, the Scottish red meat sector stands united in sharing their deep concerns for the long-term resilience of Scotland’s domestic supply chain. 

QMS chair Kate Rowell said: “The creepage of imports onto our shop shelves is in stark contrast to our wants, needs and the previous commitments made to Scotland. 

“Our analysis shows red meat imports from non-EU countries such as Uruguay, New Zealand, Australia and Brazil rose strongly (up more than 55%) in the first third of 2025 compared to the same period of 2024 from a low base, approaching 10% of total imports.” 

Ms Rowell added that research conducted on QMS behalf by EssenceMediacom in 2024 shows that 83% of people in Scotland say they are opposed to purchasing red meat from elsewhere in the EU and the world, and 93% take product labels into consideration when buying food, with provenance and animal welfare ranking highly. 

READ MORE: Petition urging supermarkets to use British eggs signed by 50k people

READ MORE: Co-op relaunches British steak range: ‘Championing British has never been more important’

READ MORE: Asda backs out of commitment to sell only British poultry

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Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and the Scottish Red Meat Resilience Group (SRMRG) have addressed their concerns about Scotland’s red meat supply chain to farmers and retailers during the opening day of the Royal Highland Show (RHS) 2025.

As more imported beef is being trialled in key UK retailers and a reported 6% increase in imported red meat on display in supermarkets this year, the Scottish red meat sector stands united in sharing their deep concerns for the long-term resilience of Scotland’s domestic supply chain.

At QMS’s annual show business breakfast, QMS chair Kate Rowell said: “The creepage of imports onto our shop shelves is in stark contrast to our wants, needs and the previous commitments made to Scotland.

“Our analysis shows red meat imports from non-EU countries such as Uruguay, New Zealand, Australia and Brazil rose strongly (up more than 55%) in the first third of 2025 compared to the same period of 2024 from a low base, approaching 10% of total imports.”

Ms Rowell added that research conducted on QMS behalf by EssenceMediacom in 2024 shows that 83% of people in Scotland say they are opposed to purchasing red meat from elsewhere in the EU and the world, and 93% take product labels into consideration when buying food, with provenance and animal welfare ranking highly.

“Our recent survey conducted by Censuswide also highlights nearly three-quarters of us claim to actively seek Scottish red meat when shopping, driven by a desire to support Scottish farmers and the local economy, alongside trust in quality, freshness, and traceability. While 90% of Scottish red meat eaters say they would choose Scottish beef, lamb, or pork even if imported alternatives were 30% cheaper.

“At a time when we need our farmers to respond positively to the clear, growing demand for their globally sought-after beef, pork and lamb, the last thing we need is sourcing from overseas knocking their confidence to produce,” she continued.

‘Scotland stands at a crossroads’

As part of the collaborative Meating Our Potential partnership campaign, QMS and the SRMRG are urging retailers and the wider supply chain to honour their previous commitments and send a strong signal to Scotland’s producers that they back them over imports.

As a symbol of their support and confidence in the sector, QMS has unveiled the Meating Our Potential pledge for everyone to get behind the collective effort to: ‘Feed our growing nation with locally produced, sustainable red meat.’

Ms Rowell continued: “Scotland stands at a crossroads. Do we grow our own supply and build resilience, or do we rely on imports that carry a higher climate cost?

“This is about backing Scottish producers, the wider red meat supply chain and the communities that depend on them, as well as the people who want to support them and keep Scottish beef, pork and lamb an essential part of their diets and our culture.”

The Meating Our Potential campaign has already gained strong support. Alongside the 11 founding SRMRG organisations, which include QMS, a growing number of retailers, processors, auctioneers, and farming groups have pledged their backing.

Cabinet secretary for rural affairs Mairi Gougeon added that consumers want locally sourced, high-quality produce like Scotch beef, lamb and specially selected pork.

“I am grateful to QMS for their work with processors and retailers on produce and market development and the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership for their strategy setting out great examples that showcase the best of what we have to offer.

“This work shows the importance buyers put on country of origin, and we will continue to work with other devolved governments to ensure the Scotch meat brand continues to be recognised and valued.”

The cabinet secretary added: “Whilst many trade levers are reserved to the UK government, we will continue to robustly make the case that trade deals should not come at the expense of Scotland’s farmers, crofters and wider agricultural sector. We will also continue our direct reformed support to farmers, crofters and food producers.

“We have no policy to reduce livestock, as all that would do is replace our high-quality product with alternatives from elsewhere that may not be produced to the same high welfare and environmental standards. We agree with QMS that what is needed is for our globally renowned livestock to continue to be born, bred and slaughtered right here in Scotland, and this vision has the full backing of the Scottish Government.”

Scottish world-class meat supply chain

Neil Wilson, president of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS), said: “The British consumer wants to eat quality beef, so why not offer them Scotch as the brand of choice?

“While some poorly executed research and misinformation about methane from cows has unfairly given cattle a bad name, we all know that Scottish farmers can produce top-class beef with a much lower environmental footprint than global production whilst helping with biodiversity and nature restoration.

“So whether it’s two cows, 22 cows or more being put on, let’s work together to get more cows on the ground and get the best returns we can deliver through auction markets and the supply chain and back to the farmgate.”

Alan Brown, president of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers, added: “It makes absolutely no sense to be importing red meat while our own high-quality, lower-emissions product is under pressure. We have a world-class supply chain in Scotland—from farm to processor—that delivers for consumers, communities, and climate.

“Retailers talk about supporting local and delivering on sustainability, but a 55% increase in non-EU imports and more imported red meat on shelves suggests otherwise. It’s time to stop the mixed messages.

“If we want a resilient, productive red meat sector in Scotland, then we need consistent signals and a firm commitment to back local. Otherwise, we risk undermining confidence and offshoring opportunity.”

READ MORE: Beef from Australia, Uruguay and New Zealand hits UK shelves

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The NFU has reported that three major supermarkets have moved away from their pledge to source British beef. In recent weeks, the union has become aware of beef from Uruguay, Australia and New Zealand hitting the shelves in Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s.

This shift in retailer sourcing commitments comes at a time when British farmers are already facing an unprecedented number of challenges. Coupled with concerns over recent trade deals, further undermine the high standards of production that British farmers adhere to.

This will also come as a blow to the public, who would like to buy more British food from retailers.

READ MORE: Clarkson’s Farm inspire consumers to support British farmers

Retailers in favour of imports

NFU livestock board chair David Barton said: “It’s deeply concerning to see major retailers now move away from their previous commitments to sourcing British in the last few weeks in favour of imports, many of which have been produced to lower standards. Farmers’ long-standing partnerships with retailers have supported sustainable supply chains, so this shift is alarming.

“Over the past year, the industry has heard warm words from almost every major retailer pledging support for British farmers. But these words ring hollow when British produce is not given pride of place on shelves.”

Mr Barton added that decisions to renege on sourcing commitments erode trust and damage farmer confidence at a time when the sector is facing immense challenges.

“With increased global insecurity, the need to build sustainable food supply chains has never been more important. British farmers have invested in higher standards, such as reducing antibiotic use in beef and lowering poultry stocking densities in sheds.

“Consumers want these high-quality production systems, shown by over one million people signing our petition for import standards to match the UK’s.

“But delivering these standards comes with additional financial costs. Long-term sourcing commitments from retailers are essential to ensuring that the high-welfare British food consumers want remains available,” Mr Barton concluded.

READ MORE: Asda backs out of commitment to sell only British poultry

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From summer 2026, DEFRA will introduce changes to cattle identification, registration and reporting. Electric ID (EID) will become mandatory for all new-born calves from 2027.

The government said that these changes will simplify regulations and support industry to boost productivity, food security and international trade.

MSD Animal Health is now urging beef and dairy farmers in England to use the latest Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) to part-fund the purchase of EID equipment, including handheld stick readers, shedding gates, panel readers and weighing systems.

The FETF grant offers up to 50% funding towards the cost of a wide selection of EID equipment, potentially saving farmers hundreds of pounds as they prepare for the new mandate to come into effect.

READ MORE: Electronic ID for cattle to become mandatory

‘Timely opportunity to save money’

Johnny Mackey, MSD Animal Health’s stakeholder engagement lead, explained: “For producers who have yet to make the transition over to EID, or those looking to upgrade or replace existing equipment, the latest round of grant funding offers a timely opportunity to save money on some key pieces of technology and to ensure they have everything in place ahead of the new rules coming into effect.”

The expert added: While the DEFRA announcement cites the introduction of mandatory EID as a major step forward in disease control and trade across the farming sector, electronic identification also offers growers the chance to make some notable improvements to the way their herds are managed.

“Beef and dairy producers who have voluntarily introduced EID into their herds are already seeing significant time savings when recording tag numbers electronically.

“Using a stick or wand reader to scan tags not only saves a huge amount of time when animals are being moved, treated, or weighed, but also removes the scope for human error to creep into record keeping. It also enables tasks such as drafting to be automated, and negates the need for pen and paper when working in wet and windy environments,” Mr Mackey continued.

The data generated by EID can also be transferred to farm management software programmes quickly and reliably to create a lifetime of data for each animal.

“This data can then be used to assess each animal’s performance, medical history and overall merit within the herd, in turn empowering herd managers to make informed breeding and culling decisions which could improve the farm’s overall profitability and viability,” the expert concluded.

Relevant EID items available for grant funding under the latest FETF include:

Grant funding is also available for MSD Animal Health’s herd monitoring system, SenseHub, under FETF315CA – Automatic health and welfare remote monitoring system.

Applications for the 2025 FETF are currently open. For more information, click here.

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The new report by the National Audit Office examines whether DEFRA, working with key public and private bodies, is taking effective action to ensure England is resilient to animal diseases.

NAO scrutinises public spending for Parliament and is independent of government and the civil service. Through its work, it provides information to Parliament to hold the government to account.

The review has found that past outbreaks have had significant economic impacts. For example, the major foot-and-mouth disease outbreak of 2001 cost the public and private sectors an estimated £5.2 billion and £8.6 billion, respectively (in 2023-24 prices).

Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have resulted in 7.2 million birds being culled between November 2020 and mid-March 2025.

DEFRA has reported outbreaks in 16 of the past 20 years. This includes the UK’s largest HPAI outbreak to date, in winter 2022/23, and concurrent outbreaks of HPAI and bluetongue virus (BTV) in 2024 and 2025. Government and industry are also concerned about other exotic diseases such as African swine fever, which is spreading in parts of Europe, Asia and Africa.

According to the audit findings, DEFRA has an effective strategic approach to managing animal diseases, both exotic and endemic.

The National Audit Office has also confirmed that DEFRA, the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) and key public and private bodies are taking appropriate action to prepare for animal disease outbreaks.

However, it is likely that they would struggle to cope with a more severe outbreak of animal disease.

Long-term resilience has been undermined by the necessity of focusing on increasingly frequent outbreaks, and there is no long-term strategy.

Factors such as climate change and antimicrobial resistance mean outbreaks are increasingly frequent and livestock more vulnerable, but the government lacks a strategy and action plan for improving resilience to animal diseases, the report finds.

DEFRA and APHA have introduced initiatives to strengthen resilience, such as the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, which provides funding to support improvements in animal health on farms and research and innovation to improve detection and response to disease.

However, progress is being undermined by global issues with the supply of animal vaccines and significant threats to biosecurity at the border.

DEFRA’s best estimate for the proportion of live animal imports from the EU and the rest of the world currently undergoing physical checks is 5%, against a government target of 100% at border control posts by the end of 2024.

‘Wake-up call’

Tony Goodger, head of communications at the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), said that the NAO’s report must act as a “wake-up call” to both government and the wider public to ensure that England is safe from animal disease.

Mr Goodger added: “This begins at the border, where, for too long, we have seen a strain on the systems for checking vehicles, be they commercial or private, entering the country.

“We of course welcome the recent announcement to ban the personal import of meat and dairy products, but given the threats that they carry, it is essential that the government communicates this to the public as they prepare to travel abroad and then to return home.”

The AIMS expert suggested that the government’s online ‘travel abroad’ page could remind people of the ban.

Mr Goodger continued: “Our best defence against animal diseases begins with educating the country about the risks.

“The UK’s next best defence is to ensure that those groups and individuals who seem to think that they are serving a need by breaking into farms and abattoirs are stopped at every opportunity and speedily dealt with by the courts. They, in my opinion, pose a huge biosecurity risk to livestock farming and food processing, both of which are within the UK’s defined areas of critical national infrastructure.”

Mr Goodger concluded: “We must be prepared for outbreaks of animal disease, especially as they place such a financial burden on the country and sectors such as tourism, and one of the best ways of reducing the threat is to reduce the risk from well-meaning individuals bringing small amounts of meat and dairy into the UK and the less well-meaning who smuggle in large quantities of meat for processing and the terrorists who are challenging the safety of our farms and the country’s food security.”

‘Very worrying’ findings

NFU president Tom Bradshaw called the review findings “very worrying”. He said: “We’ve seen how disease can bring this country to a standstill. We saw it in 2001 and 2007 with foot-and-mouth disease – a disease which still haunts the memories of so many in our sector and has been prevalent in countries across Europe this year.

“We cannot afford another disease outbreak, not when we’re already struggling to fight diseases already here such as bovine TB, bluetongue and avian influenza.”

Mr Bradshaw said that England needs to invest in biosecurity, skilled staff resources and IT infrastructure now to avoid an unmanageable situation in the future.

“I hope the chancellor thoroughly considers the implications of this report ahead of her spending review next week and sets out a comprehensive and fully funded biosecurity, disease control and resilience strategic plan to help minimise the risks to British farming, the food we produce, and our economy as much as possible,” he concluded.

‘We need to move on at pace’

Nick Allen, CEO of the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), said that its members agree with a lot of the findings in the report and would like to highlight that England is “increasingly vulnerable” to a major disease outbreak. BMPA members added that they doubt the county’s ability to deal effectively with one if it were to happen.

“Our failure to push on with a comprehensive livestock tracing system exposes us; devolved powers get in the way of rational decisions being made and add inefficiency and cost to the system, as we are seeing with bluetongue at present.

“The report is quite correct to say our systems and processes are out of date and long overdue for a complete revamp. That said, we recognise how complex it is to bring all the disjointed parts of the tracing system together.

“For years this subject has not been prioritised; devolution and different departments with different remits coming together to work with industry to get progress have proved an arduous task.

“We need to move on at pace; otherwise there will be a heavy price to pay that far exceeds the cost of putting together a tracing system for today’s world.”

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From summer 2026, Defra will introduce changes to cattle identification, registration and reporting that are set to improve the government’s ability to respond effectively to disease.

The government said that these changes will also simplify regulations and support industry to boost productivity, food security and international trade.

New requirements will see Electric ID (EID) mandatory for all new-born calves from 2027, using low-frequency (LF) technology. This means animals with eID eartags can be scanned when animals are moved, rather than a visual read and manual input of the tag number.

Electronic cattle traceability will strengthen the UK’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to animal disease outbreaks, protecting farmers and the rural economy, Defra explained.

This will be supported by a new cattle movement reporting system which is set to be easier to use for farmers, markets, abattoirs and regulators alike.

Defra confirmed that the system will simplify existing regulations and support the livestock industry to boost productivity, food security and international trade.

‘Game-changer for disease traceability’

Biosecurity minister, Baroness Hayman, called the news a “significant milestone” in modernising how England manages cattle health, welfare and traceability.

“These reforms strike the right balance in supporting farmers with clearer, simpler rules while helping the sector strengthen its productivity, resilience and global competitiveness,” the minister continued.

UK chief veterinary officer Dr Christine Middlemiss added: “Electronic identification is a game-changer for disease traceability. It allows for faster, more accurate tracking of cattle movements, which is crucial in responding to outbreaks and maintaining our high biosecurity standards.

“This shift puts England in step with best global practice, and today’s early confirmation will provide the livestock industry the clarity it needs to begin preparing now — ensuring that the right tags, readers and systems are available at scale ahead of rollout.”

Defra said it will also take a more proportionate approach to enforcement, which will give keepers the opportunity to correct issues before further action is considered, as part of a broader move to reduce red tape while strengthening biosecurity.

Following the wide-reaching sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal recently agreed at the UK-EU summit, this decision will further benefit livestock businesses in England by reducing trade friction and boosting their ability to export agri-food products abroad, Defra concluded.

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