Improving the Beef & Lamb Scheme
Priorities for technical improvements in the beef & lamb sector
In 2026, Red Tractor will review its farm-facing standards and assessment process. The aim is to streamline assessments, support the reduction of audit burden and ensure standards remain relevant to the farming sectors they support.
The Beef & Lamb Sector Board — made up of farmers, auctioneers, processors, vets, and retailers — has collaboratively identified objectives and priorities for improving the Beef & Lamb Scheme. These priorities will be reviewed regularly to reflect the evolving needs of the sector.
As a first step, all stakeholders were invited to feedback on these objectives and existing standards. The opportunity for feedback closed on 1 February 2026. All feedback received will be shared with Sector Boards to inform their work going forwards.
Next steps
The Beef & Lamb Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), comprised of sector experts, will develop detailed recommendations to revise the Beef & Lamb Standards and Scheme in line with these objectives.
- 2026: Proposed updates shared for stakeholder comment
- 2027: Implementation of improvements following UKAS approval
This work will be delivered alongside Red Tractor-wide operational improvements, such as assessor training and improved use of technology and communications.
Objectives for beef & lamb
- Rebuild farmer trust by improving efficiency and reducing burden while maintaining audit integrity
- Ensure the scheme evolves to meet market and trade requirements
- Align standards and regulatory requirements with Red Tractor’s Vision and Purpose
Ensure the standards and assessment process:
- Support consumer confidence in British beef and lamb
- Support long term viability and competitiveness of UK beef and lamb sectors
Priority actions (2026 Review)
To deliver these objectives, the Sector Board and TAC, will:
- Review and justify standards to ensure they are proportionate and reflect current farming practice
- Align standards with Red Tractor’s Vision and Purpose
- Horizon scan emerging topics for inclusion in Beef & Lamb Standards
- Explore opportunities to tailor assessment type and frequency with compliance history, while maintaining supply chain confidence.
Longer term focus
The Sector Board will also explore opportunities for:
- Data-driven farm profiling to strengthen targeted assessments
- Alternative compliance methods, including third-party data and government inspections
- Assessing Red Tractor’s role in supporting industry efforts on water pollution, waste management, air quality, biodiversity, and carbon reduction
Beef & Lamb Sector Chair, John Dracup explains the priorities for the sector
Read more about how Red Tractor is improving farm standards and audits
Beef & Lamb Standards
View documents for existing standards
Who sits on the Red Tractor Beef & Lamb Board?
- John Dracup, Beef & Lamb Sector Chair
- David Morgan – NFU
- Samantha Charlton – AHDB
- Alice Liddle – BRC/Food Service
- Alistair Brown – Livestock Auctioneers Association
- Phil Stocker – National Sheep Association
- Phil Hambling – British Meat Processors Association
- Henry Blain – Multiple Retailer
- Jude Capper – TAC Chair
- Navaratnam Partheeban – British Cattle Veterinary Association
- Sarah Haire – Dawn Meats (BMPA Representative)
- Ben Harman – National Beef Association
- Jack Davies – Retailer