Sheep producers are being urged to consider creep feeding this season as good prices and steady demand create a valuable window of opportunity in the market.

 Recent price gains have come despite a sharp upsurge in lamb numbers, signalling the underlying strength of the trade. Market reports suggest demand picked up ahead of Ramadan beginning, with lambs being drawn forward to fill orders. 

 But finishing lambs quickly and to specification will be critical to help maximise returns from this strong lamb market. 

 "Timing is everything and farmers who can get lambs to weight earlier and meet specification consistently will be in the best position to secure the strongest returns," explains Alister Davies, Beef and Sheep Commercial Manager at ForFarmers. 

 "We're strongly recommending farmers to consider creep feeding or increase existing levels of creep feeding. With the potential to increase daily liveweight gain from around 200g to as much as 450g per day, targeted provision of creep feed can accelerate growth and enable lambs to reach saleable weights sooner, and in good condition." 

 Early nutrition plays a major role in determining how efficiently lambs grow and how well they finish. Introducing creep feed from around three weeks of age encourages early rumen development, supports consistent intakes and helps maintain growth rates where grass quality or milk supply may fluctuate.

 "Creep feeding is an investment, but it makes sense to make this investment early, during one of the most feed-efficient stages in a lamb's life," continues Mr Davies. "At this early point, lambs are extremely efficient converters of feed. Every kilo of concentrate fed now has a far greater impact on growth rate and finishing time than trying to push lambs later in the season.

 "In a market where demand is strong and prices are holding despite increased numbers, investing in creep feed now will allow farmers to secure the best returns rather than chasing them further down the line."

 ForFarmers' Ewbol Prestige Lamb range has been specifically formulated for intensive lamb systems. The pelleted ration combines high levels of starch and digestible fibre to drive rapid daily liveweight gain, alongside a balanced supply of rumen degradable and bypass protein to support frame development and lean muscle growth.

 "Feeding Ewbol Prestige Lamb can help well-bred lambs reach 40kg liveweight by just 12 weeks of age," says Mr Davies. "An investment of £15 to £18 per lamb in quality creep feed could deliver an additional £30 to £50 margin per lamb, even after feed costs are accounted for."

 Beyond growth performance, earlier finishing also improves flock efficiency. Lambs sold sooner free up grazing, ease pressure on forage supplies and improve cashflow through quicker turnover.

 Mr Davies concludes: "It's about feeding with purpose and producing well-grown, uniform lambs that leave the farm at the right time and maximise market returns."

 To find out more about the Ewbol Prestige Lamb range, speak to a ForFarmers account manager or visit www.forfarmers.co.uk.