Farming information and guidance on Business Link

Plain English guides on all aspects of farming, from animal welfare to the Single Payment Scheme, can now be found at the dedicated farming section of the Business Link website

Keeping sheep and goats

Before you move sheep or goats onto your land, you will need a county parish holding (CPH) number. This is an identification number for the land and buildings where they will be kept. To apply for a CPH number, contact the Rural Payments Agency on 0845 603 7777.

Since the foot and mouth disease outbreak, there are new rules to improve the identification and tracing of sheep and goats. These aim to improve traceability and minimise the possibility of spreading disease.

• Guidance on sheep and goats identification and registration is available on the Business Link website
• Quick reference to identifying sheep (PDF 50 KB)
• Quick reference to identifying goats (PDF 50 KB)

Transporting sheep and goats

When moving animals, you must transport them in a way that won’t cause them injury or unnecessary suffering.

• Guidance for farmers on welfare in transportation is available on the Business Link website
• Welfare in transport guidance

Welfare

The way we treat animals is an important reflection of the values of our society. This means we all have a stake in improving the national level of animal health and welfare

• Review of the Animal Welfare Research Programme 2005 – 2010
• Latest animal welfare advice and legislation
• Sheep Welfare Code
• Goat Welfare Code
• Guidance on sheep and goat welfare is available on the Business Link website

Health and diseases

Disease outbreaks and the measures to control them can have a huge impact on public health, the economy and the environment. Monitoring animals for signs of disease, and following good farming practices are essential ways of reducing the risk of disease and preventing the spread of disease. Good hygiene practice can keep new disease away from your herd.

• More about biosecurity measures
• A-Z of animal diseases
• Latest news
• Responsibility and cost sharing
• Foot and mouth disease
• Scrapie
• Guidance on sheep and goat health is available on the Business Link website

Publications

• Progress towards a sustainable future for livestock farming
• Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Livestock: Sheep
• Welfare of animals during transport – Sheep
• Other sheep and goat publications