Disadvantaged Area Scheme: The old Disadvantaged Area Scheme has been replaced by the Areas of Natural Constraint. Applicants who were locked out of the scheme due to an inadequate stocking rate in previous years are now eligible for entry.

Stocking rate requirements remain the same, in that an average of 0.15 LU/ha must be achieved over a 12-month calendar period. There is also a retention period of seven consecutive months where a minimum stocking rate of 0.15 LU/ha must be maintained.

This means, for applicants who have no stock or who are operating below the required stocking rate, there is one week left to purchase animals and have the required stocking rate before 1 June, so that stocking rate requirements for seven consecutive months can be achieved. The exception to this is where a commonage framework plan or agri-environmental plan recommends a lower stocking rate. Ewes classify as 0.15LU/ha, while hoggets or store lambs are classified as 0.10LU/ha until they turn 12 months of age.

Shearing preparation: The level of sheep shearing carried out to date is small. Weather forecasts predict an upturn in temperature, but showers are likely to continue for the coming days. Wool merchants are advising farmers and shearing contractors to hold off from shearing where there are any question marks that wool may be damp. Damp wool will be significantly devalued, but there are also health and safety concerns in shearing in damp conditions.

Where sheep are being housed dry in advance of shearing, it is important to do so in a manner that prevents the fleece from being contaminated. Ideally, sheep should be housed on slats or in a shed where there is an existing bed of straw, as housing on fresh straw or concrete will result in contamination of wool. Drafting lambs from ewes pre-shearing will reduce soiling of the fleece of both ewes and lambs and help reduce the risk of flystrike if weather improves.

Where dipping or applying pour-on products to lambs, be careful to check withdrawal dates first as products vary significantly from about one week to 60 days. Take note also as the level of protection provided also varies considerably between different products.

Mobile equipment and fencing grant: The Department reports a relatively low level of applications started for the sheep fencing and mobile handling equipment scheme. The closing date for completion of works and submission of all required paperwork is approaching fast on 31 August 2015. Remember, Card A, which was received with grant approval, must be submitted before work starts. Regarding applications for equipment under the health and safety grant, processing and circulation of approval is ongoing. Purchasing of equipment cannot commence before approval is granted.

Killing hoggets: The numbers of hoggets being killed is down to a very low level. Farmers should take note that some plants are checking the age of hoggets, classifying those that have set two teeth as mature sheep, and as such trying to pay a lower price. It is advisable to check the mouths of sheep before sale or clarify payment arrangements first with your agent.