The NSA Sheep Event provided a valuable opportunity for Red Tractor to meet directly with sheep farmers, industry experts from across the sector, strengthening relationships and discussing the future of farm assurance.
Held at the heart of the sheep farming community, the event brought together professionals from across the industry and gave the Red Tractor team the chance to hear first-hand about the challenges, priorities and opportunities facing producers.
Fostering relationships, transparency and collaboration
Red Tractor’s Beef and Lamb Sector Chair, John Dracup, said: “By coming to the event and having open dialogue, we hope to foster stronger relationships, transparency and collaboration with the sector. I am confident this will help rebuild a sense of trust between Red Tractor and the sheep farming community.
“The team were particularly keen to hear members’ views and feedback. We share the same goal of securing a strong future for the sector and remain committed to understanding the real-world challenges and opportunities farmers face.”
Understanding the realities of sheep farming
The event also provided an important opportunity for Red Tractor’s new CEO, Paul McLaughlin, to meet members and discuss the organisation’s response to the Farm Assurance Review. Speaking from the NSA stand, Paul outlined the steps being taken to ensure the scheme continues to deliver value for farmers, the wider supply chain and consumers.
Paul said: “Understanding the realities of sheep farming is central to how Red Tractor moves forward. The Farm Assurance Review has given us an opportunity to consider what works well, where improvements can be made, and how we can continue to support farmers while delivering robust assurance across the food chain.
“Events like the NSA Sheep Event are incredibly important because they allow us to engage directly with producers. We want farmers to know their views matter and that we are committed to working with the sector to shape the future of farm assurance.”
Ensuring standards remain clear, effective and proportionate
Paul shared an update on Red Tractor’s ongoing line-by-line review of its standards, led by farmers, technical experts and wider industry stakeholders. The review is examining every requirement to ensure standards remain clear, effective and proportionate, while continuing to protect animal welfare, food safety and the reputation of British agriculture.
Paul added: “The contribution of NSA CEO Phil Stocker MBE and former Chair Bryan Griffiths to our Beef and Lamb Sector Board and Technical Advisory Committee has been invaluable. Their insight, expertise and attention to detail have played a significant role in helping us finalise standards that the sheep sector can be proud of, and I am extremely grateful for their support throughout the process.”
He confirmed that the formal consultation on proposed changes to the standards will launch at the end of September, giving members and stakeholders the opportunity to share their views and help shape the future of the scheme.
Red Tractor is encouraging farmers to take part and have their say, ensuring the voices of those working on farms remains at the centre of the process.