NSA seeks early access to Countryside Stewardship fallow ground

With many parts of the country struggling with exceptionally dry weather, the National Sheep Association (NSA) has requested an urgent temporary derogation for grazing certain environmental land options that are part of the Countryside Stewardship scheme.

Writing to the chief executive of the Rural Payments Agency, it 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.

See also: Hot weather triggers early barley harvest nationwide

Grass growth has been significantly impacted by the lack of rain and sheep farmers are struggling to maintain enough forage for livestock.

“Given the current circumstances, there is a pressing need to access these areas sooner than typically permitted under scheme rules,” said NSA chief executive Phil Stocker.

Forage pressure

He added that such a derogation would help alleviate immediate forage pressures while still upholding the broader environmental aims of the scheme.

The NSA is concerned that with grazing availability critically low, the potential for producing adequate winter forage stocks is limited.

In addition, movement constraints because of bluetongue controls are also affecting forage availability.

If some flexibility isn’t introduced, animal welfare and the future productivity of farm businesses could be impacted, says the NSA.

Granting the derogation would allow farmers to plan accordingly, and take necessary action to support their livestock while maintaining compliance with their schemes.

It is understood that Defra is currently reviewing the request for a general derogation and will respond in due course.

However, a Defra spokesperson said: “Farmers experiencing difficulties with the delivery of their Countryside Stewardship agreement can request temporary adjustments to scheme requirements in cases of drought and extreme weather.”

Driest spell in decades

Warwickshire sheep farmer and NSA English committee chairman Ant Spencer, who runs about 700 ewes on a grazier basis, said his grass is pretty much gone. 

“I’ve been farming sheep for 30 years and this is by far the driest spell I’ve seen in our area,” he said. “We’re struggling. We’re starting to become desperate to find something to feed them.” 

A possible solution to the problem, Mr Spencer said, lies in a parcel of AB15 land owned by an estate where he grazes his sheep, which would provide much needed emergency fodder. 

Under the current rules, the land can’t be grazed, but needs to be topped to be managed. 

“I’ve spoken to the landlord, and he said if we can get the derogation then we can graze the sheep in there. Why waste it when we can graze it?”