Defra

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UK national sheep flock increased by 3% in 2021 
The UK national sheep flock stood at 14.5 million head on 1 December, showing an increase of 3% for the period of 2021. According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) the figures were collated by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). AHDB’s Rebecca Wright says “some growth in the breeding ewe numbers was expected based upon optimism in the industry and low ewe-slaughter figures during…
Old farmer
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Lump Sum Exit Scheme supports farmers wanting to retire
The Lump Sum Exit Scheme is a new UK government venture aimed at supporting farmers who want to leave the industry. It falls under reforms set out in the Agricultural Transition Plan. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs s of the opinion that this will allow farmers to exit the sector “in a managed way” will be in farmers’ “best interests”. Defra says the scheme is in response…