The project will involve partners from a number of countries including the UK, France, Italy, Spain and Turkey.

New project will run from January 2020 to December 2022

European sheep network SheepNet is being reborn into a new knowledge sharing network called EuroSheep, after receiving funding for three years from the EU’s biggest Research and Innovation programme, Horizon 2020.

SheepNet previously involved partners in seven countries, including Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). EuroSheep will follow the structure of its predecessor to promote knowledge sharing nationally and internationally.

Led by the French Livestock Institute, the EuroSheep network aims to improve the growth and technical performance of sheep farms. It will involve eight countries representing 80 per cent of European sheep production, and will focus on flock health, nutrition and flock management.

EuroSheep will begin by identifying farmers’ needs, in terms of their flock, through national and international workshops. Ultimately assembling a source of scientific knowledge, technical solutions and advice for farmers in all eight countries.

Dr Claire Morgan-Davies, who is a livestock systems scientist at SRUC’s Hill & Mountain Research Centre, said: “EuroSheep aims to bring together all the stakeholders involved in the sheep sector, including farmers, advisors, vets, teachers and researchers.

“The objective is to exchange existing knowledge between stakeholders at all stages of the sheep production supply chain in the different countries, focusing on the two main themes, in order to enable mutual benefits to all involved in sheep production within the EU.”