WHERE there's muck there's brass - unless you are marketing sheep for slaughter.
As the winter nights start to draw in, the weather is talking a turn for the worse and that means more muck to make sheep dirty.
The English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX) has issued a timely reminder to sheep producers to make sure animals sent for slaughter are clean, in accordance with meat hygiene requirements, in order to get better returns.
EBLEX Regional Development Manager Dr. Phil Hadley said producers who didn't present clean livestock could incur additional costs.
Livestock Auctioneers Association Chairman Robert Whitelock said:
"Producers must remember that cleanliness is important when selling lambs and ewes through livestock markets to make sure the best prices are obtained."
John Dracup, Director of St Merryn Meats, said: "We are looking for all lambs and sheep to be belly clipped and dagged. If they are not, we will have to do it ourselves and there will be a charge for the service."
However, Andrew Tinnion, Chairman of the Real Sheepskin Association, warned against excessive belly shearing to ensure the skin is not down-valued. He recommends a single comb width is taken when belly shearing.
EBLEX advises that if you have concerns over the cleanliness of your animals going for sale then check with the ultimate buyer before hand.