UK lambing survey launched to better understand pressures on sheep farmers

British sheep farmers are being encouraged to take part in a major new survey aimed at building a clearer picture of the challenges facing the sector.

The UK Lambing Survey 2026, supported by MSD Animal Health and other industry bodies, will gather insights from farmers across the country to help shape future industry support and decision-making. The findings will also contribute to the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) Targets Task Force report, which focuses on reducing antibiotic use in livestock farming.

Shepherds running multiple flocks with different tupping dates are being asked to complete a separate survey for each flock, ideally as soon as possible after lambing has finished.

All responses will remain anonymous.

The survey is being led by the University of Nottingham alongside Fiona Lovatt of Flock Health Ltd, who also chairs the Sheep Antibiotic Guardian Group (SAGG). It will remain open until 30 June.

Farmers interested in taking part can access the survey online via the link here.