Sheep industry leaders have welcomed new rules that all sides hope will mean fairer prices for lamb producers. Government rules mandating classification and price reporting for sheep carcases came into force last month – bringing the lamb sector in line with beef and pork. They aim to ensure farmers are paid more fairly for their livestock at slaughter.
The government brought in the rules following extensive consultation with the industry to establish a consistent and transparent system, giving producers clear information on how animals are assessed and priced at slaughter.
Farm minister Angela Eagle said standardising classification would help farmers respond more effectively to market demand and better understand the characteristics that attract premium prices – supporting a more resilient sector.
More clarity
“British lamb is rightly recognised worldwide for its exceptional flavour and production standards – and supply chain fairness is vital to ensure farmers and processors are properly rewarded for the quality food they produce.”
National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker described the move as a useful helpful step to simplify and give more clarity to sheep farmers over deadweight price comparisons between processors.
“It also means that for all but the smallest abattoirs we will now see sheep carcase grading come under the control of the Rural Payments Agency, bringing us in line with cattle grading.”
These improvements would build trust through the supply chain. “Farmers selling live through marts won’t be directly affected and we are in a better place with choices and greater transparency in how we choose to sell our lambs.”
Less confusion
The new pricing mechanism caters for two cutting specifications – domestic retailer and export – and uses a coefficient to standardise the price. This will help reduce confusion over carcase values cut to different trim specifications.
NSA policy manager Michael Priestley said: “Moving from a voluntary to a regulated, standardised approach will demystify the lamb market for many.” The regulations came into effect in England on 12 January. A new regime for Welsh abattoirs followed on 28 January.