sheep farmers

Many farmers want to see a ‘fundamental change' in Red Tractor and will be ‘suspicious' of the assurance body's attempt of ‘papering over the cracks' with enhanced communication efforts

National Sheep Association policy manager Emma Owen said it was important to have ‘some standardisation across the carcase classification process and reporting, bringing the sector in line with the licencing requirements of beef'

It is part of a package of measures announced by the Government, which Defra said would provide ‘certainty' for the horticulture and poultry sector

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said while the NFU response to the UK farm assurance review covers ‘some of the benefits' that assurance schemes offer, it also explains the ‘inescapable issues' that must be addressed

Cumbrian sheep farmer and author James Rebanks reflects on his decision to turn down the invite to apply for a non-executive director at Defra

Sean Fitzpatrick, of the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers' Association, said: "How can anyone expect our sheep farmers to maintain this when their income, which needs to support not only a business but a home, is getting significantly cut?"

The widow of Warwickshire farmer Rocky Poulson who ended his life four days after a farm inspection said only 'slight changes' have been made and a more 'compassionate approach' was needed

Red Tractor interim chair Alistair Mackintosh said his focus was on improving farmers trust in Red Tractor, through 'greater transparency and increasing audit efficiency.'

With economic growth in focus for the Labour Government, Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner emphasised farming’s importance at the National Sheep Association Sheep Event

A new report demonstrates the UK sheep industry's positive role in sustainable agriculture and to identify what more can be done to progress the sector's environmental credentials