Figures released by the National Fallen Stock Company (NSFCo) have revealed that the number of sheep lost during March, April and May 2018 reached the highest point in five years.

The records show that nearly half of all lamb losses occur in March, April and May, with the recorded lamb losses across the UK hitting 250,000 this year. This is a 30% increase on the average losses. Adult sheep losses were also at their highest for five years, experiencing an increase of circa 30%.

The number of adult sheep that were lost was approximately 150,000, to give a total losses to UK farmers of over 400,000 sheep. Over half of the total number of sheep lost throughout the UK occurred on Scottish farms, with 215,000 reported losses.

This is worth approximately £28.5m to UK sheep farmers. If the average price of a lamb is £75/head it would give accumulative losses of £18.75m, while ewes at £65/head would lead to losses to farmers of £9.75m. These losses are worth approximately £15.3m to Scottish farmers alone.

It is important to note that these are the reported figures, and the actual number of losses may be much higher.

The way that collections are recorded also makes it difficult to give exact numbers. Some collections are based on a headage basis, while others are done on weight, or a volume basis. In addition, not all stock losses are accounted for on the NFSCo scheme, as some collectors offer collections privately.

However, it is a strong indication of the losses that have occurred right across Scottish farms over the past few months, and the knock-on effects on farm income will be felt right through the remainder of the year.

Commenting on the figures, NFU Scotland Livestock Committee chair Charlie Adam said: “These figures back up the anecdotal evidence received from many sheep keepers around the country. Stock losses are extremely upsetting and the impact is both emotional and financial.

“The weather impact was discussed at the May meetings of both the union’s Livestock and Less Favoured Area committees, and there was significant concern for those who have faced large losses to their lamb crop and breeding flocks.”