Make sure you’re prepared for the year ahead

As 2026 beckons, one thing is clear: the past 12 months was a year of extremes – and we can’t be certain that this season will be any less predictable, writes Nerys Wright.

Last year started with dry, warm conditions that stretched into regions of the UK unaccustomed to drought. Then, just as we adjusted, the rain arrived – and for some, it hasn’t stopped.

Now, many areas remain saturated, and yet it still isn’t cold. These shifts are more than inconvenient; they signal a warming world, with consequences for agriculture, especially one of my favourite topics: sheep parasites.

Changing dynamics

Parasite dynamics are changing. Warmer winters mean longer survival for larvae and ticks, while wet spells create ideal conditions for fluke and other pathogens.

We often talk about testing and treating, and I want to stress this: it’s not because what you’ve always done was wrong. It’s because the playing field has changed. Parasites are adapting, and so must we to stay ahead.

One example is Haemonchus contortus –the barber’s pole worm. It’s not new, but in recent years we’ve seen it causing disease in areas where it hasn’t historically been a problem.

Warmer conditions and shifting weather patterns have allowed it to thrive outside its usual range. That doesn’t mean it will be a major issue everywhere next year, but it’s a reminder that parasite risks are no longer predictable.

Local monitoring and flexible plans are essential. I don’t have a crystal ball, but I can say this: 2026 will be different from 2025. Whether that means another dry spring, a wet summer, or something unexpected, we need to be ready.

That means having a Plan B, C, and even D. Why? Because hope, as a friend wisely says, is not a course of action. Readiness means building flexibility into flock health plans, monitoring conditions closely, and using diagnostics to guide decisions rather than relying on tradition.

As we step into 2026, let’s commit to staying informed, proactive, and adaptable. The only certainty is uncertainty – and those who plan for it will thrive.

The Sheep Geeks podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. Nerys Wright is an independent sheep consultant. For more details, call 07891 187643 or visit sheepconsultancy.co.uk.