Unprecedented challenges facing UK sheep farmers
21st August 2026
UK sheep farmers are facing unprecedented challenges this year, based on severe weather conditions and the devasting impact of Bluetongue. National Sheep Association (NSA) support the proposals put forward by the agricultural roundtable hosted by the NFU.
NSA welcomes the industry coming together to identify practical options to support farmers facing an exceptionally difficult set of circumstances. Sheep farmers are being hit by the combined pressures of bluetongue and prolonged drought conditions, alongside the additional costs associated with fallen stock collection and wildfires.
NSA took part in the Farming Roundtable on Friday (21st August 2026), alongside other industry leaders. We are pleased to support this call to action by the group, requesting interest-free loans underwritten by Government, that enables otherwise profitable farming businesses to access working capital and manage cash flow through this difficult period.
Kevin Harrison, South Gloucestershire sheep farmer and chair of NSA UK Policy and Technical Committee, who attended the roundtable says:
“Any immediate financial support must form part of a longer-term strategic approach to maintain the backbone of our farming industry. This will ensure domestic food production remains sustainable, resilient and prepared for the impacts of climate change. Farmers do not want to be reliant on handouts; they want the right framework and support to keep their businesses viable and productive.
“It is the Government’s responsibility to produce this. Working in partnership with the industry and farmers, these relevant funding streams must be available, effective and attractive in markets and trade. This could include support through schemes such as Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to help farmers recover and re-establish grass leys severely affected by drought, using more drought-resilient grass species where appropriate.
“As an organisation, NSA will continue to work closely with Defra and our industry partners to ensure sheep farmers have the support they need to maintain viable and resilient businesses. As this year has shown, the challenges facing our industry such as emerging diseases and climate change, increasingly go hand in hand. Our priority must be to protect the resilience of the farming sector, safeguard food production, and give farmers the tools and advice that will help them adapt and prepare for the future.”
