The National Sheep Association (NSA) has launched a new service helping sheep farmers seeking grazing for their livestock.
Recently launched on the NSA website, the NSA Graziers List allows sheep farmers in need of grazing to connect with arable farmers and other landowners with suitable options across the UK. The service comes at an important time as an increasing number of arable farmers seek to introduce sheep into their arable rotations for the regenerative benefits the traditional ‘golden hoof’ can deliver.
NSA Project Manager Nicola Noble says, “NSA is delighted to offer this matchmaking service for sheep and arable farmers. Previously agreements for grazing have been made possible thanks to existing relationships with friends, family and other contacts but with increasing integration of sheep into arable rotations there is now a growing need for a more formal service that is able to connect farmers allowing mutual benefit to be achieved.”
Sheep farmers seeking grazing who wish to advertise on the Graziers List are required to be NSA members whilst arable farmers seeking sheep to graze cover crops or other available grazing can add an entry detailing the opportunity free of charge. Once an entry has been made an advert is created on a simple to use online map identifying the service required by a clear icon showing a sheep face of a blade of grass.
The new service continues the fantastic work by independent sheep adviser Liz Genever whose website Carbon Dating – Connecting Arable with Livestock Farmers has offered this service connecting farmers previously. Those who have advertised on the Carbon Dating site are now encouraged to move to the NSA Graziers List, that is still supported by Liz and also by NIAB.
Find out more about the NSA Graziers List here
More information on the benefits of livestock/arable rotations