SHEEP farmers in Wales are being urged to pay close attention to the mineral and trace element supplementation of lactating ewes and lambs this spring and summer following what has been described as a “perfect storm” of nutritional challenges over the winter.

The warning comes from Rumenco’s Technical Services Manager, Dr Alison Bond, who said a combination of forage shortages, heavy rainfall and the increased use of brassica forage crops may have left some flocks at risk of underlying deficiencies.

She said that although sheep may not always show obvious outward signs, deficits in minerals and trace elements can still affect key areas of flock performance, including ewe milk production, lamb growth rates and the future condition of breeding ewes.

Dr Bond said: “Many sheep farms will have endured unprecedented conditions over recent months, with forage supplies depleted after a dry summer.

“This may have resulted in lower quality fodder being fed, or greater reliance on grazed fodder crops, for example. In the case of brassicas, which include swedes, turnips and forage rape, there are specific issues around iodine, vitamin B1 and other trace minerals, including copper, selenium and cobalt, that could present risks.”

She added that heavy winter rainfall in many areas is also likely to have increased soil nutrient leaching, particularly on lighter land, raising the risk of mineral deficiencies in early season grazing.

To help address the problem, Dr Bond is recommending that ewes and lambs at grass are supplemented with a high-quality mineral and trace element lick.

She said mineral buckets can provide an efficient method of supplementation and pointed to Rumenco’s Supalyx 4 in 1 bucket as one option designed to cover a broad range of potential deficiencies.

According to Dr Bond, the product includes plant essential oils intended to stimulate appetite and support gut health, alongside trace elements such as zinc and selenium in a bio-available form to help support hoof health, udder health and immune function.

She also highlighted the importance of vitamins, including vitamin B12 to support growth rates where pastures may be low in cobalt, and vitamin B1, or thiamine, which is particularly relevant where sheep have been grazed on brassicas.

Dr Bond explained: “Brassicas can cause shifts in the rumen bacteria environment which may affect the natural production of thiamine by the rumen.

“Furthermore, certain brassica crops can lead to the production of thiaminase which can destroy thiamine, leading to a deficiency. Vitamin B1 deficiency causes a condition called Cerebrocortical Necrosis, with common symptoms including blindness, head pressing and stargazing, something most farmers will have seen at some point.”

She said brassicas can also create problems with iodine absorption.

“Brassicas also contain glucosinolates, which are converted by hydrolysis into goitrogens in the rumen,” she said. “Goitrogens interfere with iodine absorption, which commonly results in the disruption of thyroid function. This is a cause of the condition goitre in sheep, which shows as a swelling of the thyroid gland.”

Dr Bond said adequate supplementation should not be viewed simply as a short-term measure, but as an investment in flock health and future performance.

“With market prices forecast to remain strong for the foreseeable future, ensuring that the flock avoids the effects of mineral and trace element deficiencies should help to prevent in-season health and performance problems,” she said.

“It will also give lambs the best chance of reaching their full potential as quickly as possible. Equally importantly, it will have a positive impact on the condition of ewes, which should ideally not lose more than 0.5 body condition score during lactation.

“Keeping ewes in good condition during lactation is the first step towards a successful tupping later in the year and a healthy lamb crop in 2027.”

Images supplied with the article are copyright Tim Scrivener, Agriphoto, and are for use only in connection with this story.

If you want, I can also turn this into a more natural Herald-style farming piece with a stronger intro and less promotional wording.

A CALL for a 60-foot-long shed and stables at the proposed home of a gypsy traveller family near a Pembrokeshire village has been refused by planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Ryan Surname Boswell & Family, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, sought provision for an access road and replacement of temporary stables and storage containers with a multi-purpose shed and stables at Greenwells, Cosheston Bridge, Cosheston.

The application initially sought a 24.3 by 9.1 metre building, which has now been reduced to 18.3m by nine.

A supporting statement said that land to the north “is subject to a current planning application for the provision of two traveller family pitches with improvements to access and ecological enhancements with other land in our client’s ownership being un-affected”.

It added: “Mr Boswell and his family are of traveller origin and intend to make this site their family home. They own various domestic equipment, children / family articles, mowers / tools and farming equipment that require secure storage. The shed will also be used to house horses/ponies that are currently stabled in the temporary wooden stable block currently on skids on the land in question.”

It concluded: “The scale, design and use of materials (and colours) of the proposed shed is comparable to many new such sheds throughout Pembrokeshire. There will be no significant negative impacts on the level of amenity enjoyed by any neighbours or those travelling along the minor county road to Cosheston from any aspects of the proposed development.”

Local community council Cosheston had raised concerns including the “excessive” size of the proposed building, feeling “this is on the large side of what is required for a couple of ponies”.

It added: “Our concern is that the applicant intends to run his building/property maintenance business from the property. If the council grants the application, restrictions should made on the property’s use. i.e. restricted to agricultural use only.

“We have no objection to the construction of a small stable block, similar in size to the existing one on site.”

Objections were also received from two members of the public, raising concerns including the scale, environmental concerns, and a potential conflict with the ongoing application.

An officer report recommending refusal said the scheme was part-retrospective due to the prior formation of an access track within the field.

It added: “Despite amendments to the application as originally submitted by the reduction in building footprint and scale, the proposal remains a substantial and visually intrusive structure in the open countryside. An essential countryside need has not been justified nor evidence provided of an agricultural or equine enterprise warranting a building of this size or permanence.”

The application was refused on the grounds it “is not typical of a structure intended solely for the storage of paraphernalia associated with grazing land or for equine use and no information has been provided within the application to demonstrate the functional need for a building of this scale”.

It added: “The nature, siting and scale of the building would not be compatible with the capacity and rural character of the site, and together with the access track results in an unjustified and visually intrusive form of development in the open countryside, which does not represent sustainable development.”

A PROGRAMME designed to support farming families in planning for the future is helping to break down one of agriculture’s most sensitive issues – succession.

Farm inheritance and succession planning returned to the spotlight in 2024 following UK Government reforms to inheritance tax (IHT), prompting renewed concern across the industry.

In response, Agrisgôp leader Elaine Rees Jones brought together farming families in the Welshpool area to take part in a structured programme aimed at addressing the issue head-on.

Agrisgôp, a fully funded management development initiative, encourages farmers to work collaboratively, building confidence and business skills through action learning.

Two distinct groups emerged: one made up of parents seeking to plan the future of their farms, and another of younger family members exploring how to take on responsibility and transfer knowledge from the previous generation.

A key theme identified early on was the importance of communication between generations.

Elaine said: “The meetings have offered the opportunity to gain professional and peer advice, time away from the farm to assess situations, and a safe, confidential space for discussion.

“Group members have shared concerns and apprehensions while getting to grips with the scale of the challenge, and have begun to develop action plans.

“The honesty and openness shown has been incredibly humbling.”

For many participants, the programme has provided the confidence to begin formal discussions with professional advisers.

One farming couple, currently working through the process of passing assets to their two sons, said the experience had been invaluable.

“It has made us tackle things properly. We had already started looking at succession before the Rachel Reeves budget, so this wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction.

“It’s a complicated process with no easy answers, and every farm is different. But Agrisgôp has helped us go into meetings with solicitors and accountants informed, rather than just accepting advice blindly.”

Another participant described succession planning as “mind-blowing” before joining the group, adding that expert input had highlighted the importance of early preparation.

The programme included a recent panel session in Welshpool, where professionals returned to answer questions from participants, alongside one-to-one sessions to clarify individual plans.

Specialist advice was provided on legal, financial, and land valuation matters, with a clear message emerging on the importance of having a valid will in place.

Angharad Hird, of Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, warned that failing to make a will can have serious consequences, highlighting a case where a young farmer died unexpectedly. Under intestacy rules, his estate was divided between his wife and children in a way that may not have reflected the family’s wishes.

Financial planning was also a major focus. From April 2027, unused pension funds will be included within estates for IHT purposes, potentially attracting tax of up to 40%.

Emma Hall, a chartered financial planner, said some clients are already restructuring their finances to mitigate future liabilities, including placing assets into trusts or converting pension funds into income-generating annuities.

Land and property valuation was another key consideration. Richard Corbett, of Roger Parry & Partners, stressed that valuations must reflect current market conditions at the time of assessment, while also taking into account factors such as shared ownership or rights of way.

Accountant Sion Roberts highlighted the importance of setting emotion aside when making decisions.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution,” he said. “Each farm is different, so it’s vital to understand your priorities and get the right advice.”

The issue of care fees and asset transfers was also raised, with warnings about the risks of deliberately reducing assets to avoid future costs.

Alongside Agrisgôp, Farming Connect’s Succession Pathway offers structured support for families navigating the process. This includes business reviews, facilitated family meetings, bespoke planning, and access to specialist legal services.

Organisers say early planning is crucial to securing both family relationships and the long-term future of farm businesses.

Farmers interested in accessing support can contact Farming Connect on 03456 000 813 or visit their website for further information.