Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers

As Defra undertakes its long‑awaited review of castration and tail docking methods in lambs, the National Sheep Association (NSA) is urging sheep farmers to fully engage with this important consultation. 

This free webinar will help farmers understand what the proposals mean in practice and how to respond effectively.*

Have your questions answered before the consultation deadline (Monday 9th March) and hear from the panel of industry experts.

Panel includes:

• Kate Hovers
  Kate is a qualified vet with more than 40 years experience, and a particular interest in sheep. She is a past President of the Sheep Veterinary Society and a current Director of the Wales Veterinary Science Centre.
• Ann Van Eetvelt 
  Ann runs Lurgan Sheep Vet, helping Scottish farmers. Ann is an experience mixed vet with a deep passion and enthusiasm for flock health, welfare, and productivity. Ann’s dedication to improving sheep farming comes from both her veterinary work and her hands-on experience as a farmer.
• Cathy Dwyer
  Cathy works at SRUC as a Professor in Animal & Veterinary Sciences. She is an expert in sheep welfare and behaviour, known for her research on ewe-lamb bonding, lamb survival and improving welfare in flocks. Her work has helped farmers better understand sheep needs and reduce welfare risks in real‑world farming environments.
• Phil Stocker (Chair)
  Phil is Chief Executive of the NSA, leading it in its role of providing a voice for the UK sheep sector. Phil’s vision for the NSA an influential and respected organisation leading the UK sheep industry, which is forward-thinking yet maintaining the traditional and cultural aspects that are so valued.
• Michael Priestley
  Michael is NSA Policy Manager. With NSA involved in so many policy topics affecting sheep farming, Michael’s role is managing and coordinating the association’s work to ensure sheep farmers are well represented in all forums and members are kept up-to-date with new developments and ongoing issues.

Whether you routinely carry out these procedures or are considering alternative approaches, this webinar provides essential guidance to help you prepare for potential changes and contribute meaningfully to the consultation.

You can find the presentation slides from the panel by clicking here.

Find the consultation and complete your response here.

*Please note that the webinar is not a guide on how to tail or castrate lambs, nor is it NSA advising on what individual farmers should say in the consultation. There is currently a Defra consultation to which sheep farmers are encouraged to respond that is proposing changes to the current legislation on these procedures. In this webinar, NSA will explain what the proposed changes might be and will give some guidance on how the consultation will need to be completed to those who are unsure of the process. We hope it is helpful.