As flocks across the UK move through lambing and into the early grazing season, the National Sheep Association (NSA) and the Register of Sheep Advisers (RoSA) are encouraging sheep farmers to make the most of professional advice to safeguard flock performance and business resilience this spring.

Spring 2026 presents a mix of opportunity and challenge. Variable weather patterns have left some farms battling tight forage supplies and difficult grazing conditions, while ongoing pressure to improve animal health, reduce antibiotic use and meet evolving environmental demands continues to reshape flock management decisions.

Against this backdrop, NSA and RoSA say there has never been a better time to engage a qualified, independent Sheep Adviser.

Spring is a critical period for flock productivity. Ewe body condition, lamb viability, colostrum management, parasite control plans and early grazing strategies all have long-term consequences for vital issues, such as growth rates and finishing weights.

A RoSA member could provide:

-Objective flock health planning tailored to individual farm systems.
-Parasite control strategies that reflect current resistance challenges.
-Nutritional guidance to optimise forage use and manage concentrate costs.
-Benchmarking and performance review to identify margin improvements.
-Support with environmental and scheme compliance, including sustainable grazing approaches.

With input costs remaining volatile and scrutiny on livestock systems increasing, informed decision-making is key. Professional advisers can help farmers interpret performance data, review medicine use and implement practical changes that deliver both economic and environmental gains.

Recent industry discussion has focused on sustainable parasite control and growing anthelmintic resistance, particularly as warmer, wetter periods create ideal conditions for worm burdens. Strategic testing, targeted treatment and grazing management planning are essential tools - areas where a RoSA member can offer evidence-based support.

At the same time, evolving policy frameworks across the UK continue to reward outcomes, such as improved soil health, biodiversity and responsible medicine use. Sheep farmers are increasingly being asked to demonstrate high standards of stewardship alongside productivity.

NSA and RoSA emphasise that working with a professional adviser is not a sign of weakness, but a proactive step towards continuous improvement. Many RoSA members are already supporting flocks with whole-farm reviews, succession planning discussions, carbon baselining and system redesign to improve resilience.

RoSA members must meet strict criteria relating to qualifications, experience and ongoing professional development offering farmers using a member of RoSA confidence they are receiving up-to-date, independent and technically robust advice specific to sheep systems.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “Spring is always a busy and demanding time for sheep farmers, but it is also when small management decisions can have a significant impact on the year’s outcome. Involving a RoSA member  provides an opportunity to step back, review performance and make confident, informed choices to benefit both your flock and your business.”

Whether reviewing lamb losses, refining worming protocols, improving grazing utilisation or planning for environmental scheme requirements, NSA and RoSA stress that professional advice should be seen as an investment rather than a cost.

Farmers interested in finding a trusted adviser through RoSA can visit the RoSA section of the NSA website at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/rosa.