Sheep farmers should think clean

AUTUMN rains and wet fields are the perfect recipe for mud - and for some extremely dirty sheep.

Unfortunately, if those sheep belong to you they will lose you money as the clean-up will have to be provided - and charged for - by the processor at full economic rates.

Phil Hadley, EBLEX Regional Development Manager, said: "The need to present clean sheep at this time of year cannot be overstated.

"Whether the animals are sold through a livestock market or direct to a processor any cleaning will cost money for the producer.

"There is also the problem that if excessive shearing is necessary it could adversely

effect the value of the skin."