The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has confirmed that sheep farmers experiencing a lack of grazing this summer can apply for temporary rogs on specific environmental management schemes.
The move responds to a National Sheep Association (NSA) letter sent earlier this month, requiring flexibility to allow grazing on the land under a rural stewardship agreement.
Recent local drought conditions across parts of the UK have pose a critical feed challenge, with many graziers seeking permission to graze stewardship options that are normally protected.
The RPA revealed that insurance is granted on a case-by-case basis and can be applied via two routes: Sustainable Agricultural Incentives (SFI) or Country and Environmental Management Schemes.
Farmers must complete a specific request form for the scheme seeking relief.
Michael Priestley, policy manager for the NSA, explained the situation and emphasized that early spring flowering options were able to sow seeds earlier than usual.
“Early spring meant that flowering options were already seeds, so many Graziers believed there would be little harmful effects on the outcome of the options.
“Some SFI grazing options date is August 15th, and the season is a month earlier due to the warm weather anyway.”
He also highlighted challenging weather conditions this summer, saying:
“While many people have been raining over the past few weeks, people on light land and those who continue to miss it are facing serious challenges.”
Due to limited availability of grazing, some farmers have resorted to early or selling lambs as their shops to maintain their sheep’s body condition and reduce the demand for dry matter. Others simply lack the lamb in a suitable place to wean them.
Priestley continued to express his hope that farmers could work with their neighbors to secure a rog and graze and cut to maintain the bitch’s condition.
“Hopefully, Grazier can work with his neighbors to arrange a light rog to graze and cut to maintain the ewe condition. It was just an early season anyway.
He highlighted the environmental benefits of this approach. “Graduation and dunge behavior provide ecological benefits, where sheep spread seeds in the dung, creating more diverse habitats for wildlife and insects.
Farmers wishing to apply for a light rog can access SFI Query Form or Country Stewardship Minor and Temporary Adjustment (MTA) Form online.
