Lamb crop survey for livestock farmers
An online survey has been launched to provide an ongoing weekly snapshot of lamb crop, and whether any health trends are emerging – particularly as a result of the schmallenberg virus (SBV).
Producers in England, Scotland and Wales are being urged to complete the survey as they finish lambing, to record key performance figures. They are asked to answer all questions to the best of their knowledge, even if they do not experience any problems.
The results will then be analysed to gauge the effects of last year's poor weather on lamb crop. It is expected that the weather will have caused a prevalence of disease this year, particularly SBV.
Launched by a group of industry bodies, the survey will enable specific projects to be tailored to help if health problems do emerge. A similar calf crop survey is set to launch in the coming weeks.
“Obviously Schmallenberg is something that everyone is worried about but it is currently difficult to get a true picture of how many flocks are affected and the prevalence in any particular flock,” the group said in a joint statement.
“However, there are plenty of other factors which could affect the lamb crop, such as the poor weather conditions and liver fluke. Without hard data, we cannot co-ordinate a response that helps farmers.
“This is not an in-depth scientific survey so will take less than 10 minutes to complete. However, the collective picture built from individuals’ responses will significantly help our understanding of the grassroots situation. We would urge all sheep farmers in the UK – and beef cattle farmers for the calf crop survey that is to follow – to do their bit for the industry and fill in their results.”
The industry bodies that have joined forces for the study are Eblex, Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC)/ Meat Promotion Wales, National Beef Association (NBA), National Farmers Union (NFU), National Sheep Association (NSA), Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA).
Click here to fill in the survey, or head to any of the seven industry bodies' websites. Individuals that would like feedback as the season progresses are asked to leave an email address. Farmers that lamb in batches may complete the survey after each batch.
The survey is set to stay open through to the end of May.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
