NSA encourages members to act to protect UK shearing capacity

Dear NSA Members,

I am writing to ask you to write to your MP as part of a joint initiative between the National Sheep Association (NSA), the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), British Wool and the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) to raise concerns about the availability of shearers for the 2026 shearing season.

Michael Priestley NSA Policy Manager, says: “It is important our members raise the issue with their local MPs and ensure the Home Office knows that the issue of shearer shortages threatens animal welfare and a long-standing cultural exchange in which shearers, both from Britain and internationally, lengthen their working season by working overseas.”

NSA strongly encourages all involved in the UK sheep farming sector to highlight the importance of overseas shearers to the UK sheep industry and urge the government to reconsider its position. Overseas shearers remain an essential part of the seasonal UK shearing workforce and their contribution supports timely shearing, safeguards animal welfare and enables the sharing of skills and best practice.

Ensure your voice is heard by sending a short email or letter to your MP explaining how this impacts your business, the industry and the welfare of sheep. A template for you to use is available here.

For more information on the background to the issue click here.

NSA alongside other industry partners are continuing to engage with government on this critical issue and your voice will add vital support to our work.

Yours sincerely

Phil Stocker
Chief Executive, National Sheep Association