New regulations came into force last week requiring the classification and price reporting of sheep carcases in England and Scotland. This change aligns the sector with existing rules for beef and pork.

The new rules are designed to give producers clearer information on how animals are evaluated and priced at slaughter. They should also make it easier to analyse market trends and identify which types of stock command premium prices.

Phil Stocker, CEO of the National Sheep Association, described the regulations as a positive development, saying they will provide sheep farmers with greater clarity and “create better transparency and trust through the supply chain.”

Equivalent measures are expected to be introduced in Wales and Northern Ireland in early 2026.

See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sheep-carcase-classification-rules-to-deliver-fairer-prices-for-farmers