Sheep and goat inventory deadline fast approaching

Sheep farmers in England and Scotland are reminded they will need to carry out their annual sheep and goat inventory over the next few days.

Forms and guidance notes for the 2017 survey should now have arrived on farms.

The form, which asks farmers to record the number of sheep and goats on farm as at 1 December, can also be completed online.

See also: Four sheep recording methods compared – which one is best?

The inventory has to be completed by livestock keepers every year and is a legislative requirement under EU law.

Failure to complete the form will also increase the chance of an inspection.

In Scotland, the forms must be submitted by 15 December, but farmers in England have until 31 December to send in their data.

Sheep farmers in Wales  will be required to carry out a similar exercise, but the details have not yet been confirmed.