Improving the Beef & Lamb Scheme
Share your feedback on 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 are invited to share feedback on these objectives and existing standards until
1 February 2026.
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
Share feedback
Please use the form below to share feedback on the objectives and priorities outlined above. We’d also appreciate any specific feedback on the existing Beef & Lamb Standards, such as audit points for review or requirements that need to be updated.
Please make feedback as specific as possible explaining the reasons for your recommendations.
The opportunity to feedback closes at midnight on 1 February 2026. There will be further opportunities to comment on the changes in detail in 2026.
Beef & Lamb Standards
View documents for existing standards
Prefer to send an email?
Email enquiries@redtractor.org.uk including the details above and which sector(s) your feedback relates to.
Read more about how Red Tractor is improving farm standards and audits
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