Defra are making the changes to simplify the rules on reporting livestock movements and how some farms are registered.

All affected farmers will be notified

Thousands of sheep farmers in England will be contacted by Defra about new sheep movement and recording rules.


Defra says they are making the changes to simplify the rules on reporting livestock movements and how some farms are registered.

The changes include:


• A new maximum radius for livestock holdings of 10 miles for all species (keepers with more than one holding within a 10-mile radius may apply to merge them into one)
• 
A new process for the registration of temporary land use

• The removal of all existing Cattle Tracing System (CTS) links
  
• 
The removal of Sole Occupancy Authorities (SOAs)

• The removal of all existing temporary CPH numbers
  

According to the National Sheep Association (NSA), Defra will send some 30,000 affected farmers a letter within the next 12 months informing them of the changes.


While these farmers do not need to do anything until they receive that letter, the NSA urge them to start thinking about their options now.

For a full summary of changes happening to the rules for reporting and recording animal movements, please visit www.gov.uk.