National Sheep Association

Business & Productivity

Now more than ever, farming businesses need to be productive and resilient. NSA believes sheep farms need a regulatory and support structure that allows them to be sustainable and prosperous. NSA supports sheep farmers across the UK in driving on-farm productivity to improve their overall business.

The right mindset can help to manage business health more effectively, develop more resilient systems, and identify potential for other income streams if appropriate. These improvements in business readiness are helping the sheep industry to plan and prepare for the future, where agriculture will continue to change, perhaps at a faster pace now than at any previous time in the history of agriculture.

Business does not stop at the farm gate, however. The UK has an extensive food supply chain, an increasing interest and market for renewable energy, an intricate rural planning system, and levy boards that redistribute funds to help develop the industry. NSA is interested in both sides of the farm gate and is focused on making sure the sheep industry is represented in these areas too.

Find quick links to useful documents or web pages below, along with the latest activity in this area.

NSA's vision for British lamb production NSA's vision for British lamb production
NSA position on sheep meat supply chain partnerships NSA position on sheep meat supply chain partnerships
Register of Sheep Advisers (RoSA) Register of Sheep Advisers (RoSA)
British Heritage Sheep British Heritage Sheep
Business readiness toolkit Business readiness toolkit
NSA position on UK levy funds NSA position on UK levy funds
Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) summary report Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) summary report
Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) full report Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) full report
Improved police powers to tackle livestock worrying crimes welcomed by NSA 7th February 2024 Improved police powers to tackle livestock worrying crimes welcomed by NSA The National Sheep Association (NSA) is welcoming steps taken toward tougher punishments for the crime of sheep worrying by dogs this week following full Government support being given to new legislation to tackle this devastating issue. Following the updated legislation, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill, Police will now be given greater powers to respond to livestock worrying incidents more effectively - making it easier for them to collect evidence and, in the most serious cases, seize and detain dogs to reduce the risk of further attacks. Read More
NSA webinar to provide advice on the current sheep vaccine shortage 22nd September 2023 NSA webinar to provide advice on the current sheep vaccine shortage The ongoing impact of the UK livestock vaccine shortage will be the hot topic of discussion for sheep farmers joining the National Sheep Association (NSA) Breakfast Club webinar next month. As farmers continue to experience issues sourcing essential vaccines to promote improved animal health and welfare the webinar will provide a useful opportunity to understand more about the complications and impacts on animal health that the vaccine shortage is having, it will also provide practical advice on what to do if farmers are unable to access vaccines. Read More
NSA calls for more clarity over Northern Ireland Windsor Framework 10th March 2023 NSA calls for more clarity over Northern Ireland Windsor Framework The National Sheep Association (NSA) is urgently calling for more detail on the potential for the easing of trade in breeding sheep between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, and for the future of access to medicines, following the announcement of the Northern Ireland Framework last month. Read More
NSA encouraged by payment uplift but asks for more detail 5th January 2023 NSA encouraged by payment uplift but asks for more detail The National Sheep Association (NSA) is today (Thursday 5th December) welcoming the announcement from Defra that there will be an uplift to Countryside Stewardship (CS) and Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) payments to aid in tackling rising input costs. Read More
NSA disappointed at lack of government commitment to agriculture 13th December 2022 NSA disappointed at lack of government commitment to agriculture The National Sheep Association (NSA) continues to be frustrated in the lack of government commitment to UK agriculture and food security, along with the poor recognition that agriculture is the key to tackling climate change, and could, with the right incentives do far more. Read More
NSA pressure ensures no cliff edge for EU sheepmeat exports 23rd November 2022 NSA pressure ensures no cliff edge for EU sheepmeat exports The National Sheep Association (NSA) is welcoming news that Defra has confirmed a further extension to resolve the problem of the EU Animal Health Regulation requiring vet attestations of livestock health rather than a farmer declaration, as is currently the case. Read More
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