Farmers urged to shear their sheep, despite bluetongue fears

Claims had been circulating amongst farmers that shearing could increase the sheep's physical exposure to biting midges.

Chief Reporter

13 August 2026 鈥� 1 min read

The NFU has urged sheep farmers to shear their sheep and 'minimise heat stress' within their flocks, despite concerns raised around the rise in the bluetongue virus. Read now: Bluetongue misinformation...

Proving profitable without funding 鈥� the mixed livestock farm spreading risk across enterprises in the Peak District

While many farms have sought to become more specialised, Martin and Alison Furness have chosen to spread the risk across their dairy, beef and sheep enterprises, and maintain a 'laser-sharp' commercial focus

Chloe Palmer

13 August 2026 鈥� 8 min read