Sheep Better Returns Programme

Sheep producers can benefit from the legacy of the Defra funded Sheep Better Returns Programme (BRP) which was delivered by EBLEX during 2003 to 2005.  The programme continues to run and currently funded by EBLEX with support from the Regional Development Agencies. 

A wide range of easy to read, informative manuals, leaflets, fact sheets and dvd’s covering the five main focus areas are available free of charge to English producers.  Literature can be downloaded in pdf format or ordered from brp@eblex.org.uk.

Sheep BRP events focusing in practical, hands on workshops, farm walks, market events and abattoir days are held throughout England.  The events are free of charge and can be booked by calling Hellen or Sandra on 0870 609 1840 or emailing brpevents@eblex.org.uk

The Five Main Focus Areas

Better Breeding
The ram’s ability to influence the key economic trait of growth rate and carcase quality are hard to spot by eye alone.  Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) measure these traits for recorded rams, and can support a producer’s choice of ram.  Research has shown that choosing the right ram using EBVs can add as much as £2 per lamb.

Better Selection
Better returns come from understanding market requirements and ensuring lambs are selected accordingly.  Projects run by EBLEX under the two year Defra-funded Better Returns Programme have shown that producers who selected lambs to match market needs made up to an extra £2.10 per lamb. 

Better Fertility and Health
Fertility and Health issues have major impacts on the overall returns to any sheep enterprise. Ram and Ewe fertility influences the number of lambs reared in a flock, so it is vital that aspects affecting fertility are recognised. Lameness and gastro-intestinal worms are very dynamic problems that result in losses for the farmer and the wider supply chain (for example condemned livers result in losses of saleable offal for the abattoir). An effective flock health plan reduces specific problems and results in better overall welfare and bio-security, which ultimately means increased returns to the sector. 

Better Market Understanding
Obtaining up to date and comparable price information is important to identify the outlet that will offer the highest return for the farm system. Understanding the factors that affect price comparison for both liveweight and deadweight markets and matching stock accordingly to the chosen markets requirements is vital.   An efficient marketing strategy will help to maximise returns.  

Better Costings
Achieving the best balance between enterprise resources and performance levels within the sheep unit is a constant challenge for sheep producers. BRP activity aims to promote a thorough understanding of enterprise costings and performance; including the use of simple management tools will help producers to cost their business, highlight areas for improvement and monitor progress against comparable data.