New matchmaking service helps sheep farmers secure grazing

Sheep farmers looking for extra grazing land are being encouraged to make use of a matchmaking service designed to link livestock keepers with landowners.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) says its Graziers List platform offers a practical way for farmers to secure grazing, while helping landowners put available land to productive use.

The service connects both parties directly, allowing agreements to be tailored to location, land type and individual requirements.

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Open to sheep producers and landowners, the list supports a range of arrangements, from short-term grazing to longer-term agreements.

The NSA says it is particularly relevant as more arable businesses look to integrate sheep into rotations.

NSA project manager Nicola Noble said: “Previously, agreements for grazing have been made possible thanks to existing relationships and networks, but with increasing integration of sheep into arable rotations, there is a need for a more formal service that is able to connect farmers, allowing mutual benefit to be achieved.”

Environmental benefits

Alongside business benefits, the NSA highlights the role grazing livestock can play in land management, including controlling vegetation, maintaining habitats and supporting biodiversity.

The association says tools such as the Graziers List are becoming increasingly important as pressure on land availability grows and farm businesses look for more flexible ways to manage stock and forage.

Sheep farming members can advertise grazing requirements on the platform at no additional cost as part of their NSA membership, while landowners can also list opportunities.

The NSA will promote the service at the Cereals event in Oxfordshire on 10 and 11 June, alongside wider messaging on the role of sheep in arable systems.