Miller calls for ‘joined up’ inspections

Collecting sheep off the hills has always been one of the big tasks for the hill farmer and it has become more so with the reduced workforce now available to do the job.

NFU Scotland has asked the Scottish Government to consider a new approach to flock inspections that could see official visits fitted around routine gatherings planned by the producer.

Union president Nigel Miller said: In extensive areas, any gathering takes a lot of time, effort and staff and such inspections can often coincide with poor weather or busy periods doing other farm work such as harvest or silage.

“NFUS is suggesting hat, to assist farmers but still allow officials to meet their obligations, there is a more pragmatic route that would allow inspections to be focused on notified periods when sheep are normally gathered on those hill units selected for inspection.”