Renewed call for sheep farmers and vets to complete UK Lambing Survey before June 30 deadline

Time is running out for sheep farmers and vets across the UK to have their say in the UK Lambing Survey 2026, with the survey closing on June 30; industry leaders are issuing a renewed call for support to build a robust picture of the challenges facing the sector.

Led by the University of Nottingham and Fiona Lovatt of Flock Health, who also chairs the Sheep Antibiotic Guardian Group (SAGG), the survey is gathering vital evidence covering everything from disease threats and vaccine supply issues, to unpredictable weather and other emerging pressures.

But with the deadline fast approaching, more responses are urgently needed to ensure the data truly reflects what is happening across the UK sheep sector.

Ms Lovatt said: “Every response matters. Without strong participation from across the industry, we risk missing the full picture which is why it is essential we gather baseline data on what takes place ‘on the ground’ or ‘in the lambing shed’.

“This survey is a real opportunity to make sure farmers’ experiences are counted and that future decisions, discussions and industry priorities, are informed by evidence from the field. We are asking everyone involved in the sheep sector to complete it and share it widely before June 30.”

The survey takes around 12 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. No farmer, farm name or location can be identified from the answers.

Results will be used to inform the sheep sector’s contribution to the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA Agriculture) Targets Task Force (TTF) report, as well as helping the industry better understand current lambing pressures and trends.

Shepherds managing separate flocks with different tupping dates are encouraged to complete a separate survey for each flock.

Complete the survey by clicking here.