New sheep carcase classification and price reporting rules have come into force in England, aiming to improve transparency and deliver fairer returns for farmers.

‍

New regulations requiring mandatory classification and price reporting for sheep carcases have come into force in England, bringing the sector into line with existing rules for beef and pork. The measures are designed to improve transparency at slaughter and help ensure farmers receive fairer prices for their livestock.

‍

The rules establish a consistent system for assessing sheep carcases, allowing producers to better understand how animals are graded and how prices are determined. By standardising classifications, farmers will be better positioned to respond to market signals and target specifications that attract premium returns.

‍

The government said the changes follow extensive consultation with industry and form part of its wider effort to strengthen fairness and trust across the agricultural supply chain. Similar regulations have taken effect in Scotland, with Wales and Northern Ireland expected to introduce equivalent measures in early 2026, creating a more consistent UK-wide framework.

Source:Department for Enviroment, Food and Rural Affairs This article is a condensed and independently written summary of original reporting and market data from Gov.UK / Defra, adapted for Dalytrading.co.uk