Approximately half of the nation's sheep (organic and non-organic) are found on hilly upland areas. Most sheep are able to free range for most of their lives, although some may be brought inside to give birth. Stocking rates will generally be lower on organic farms than other farms.

Feed

The Soil Association believes that the natural health and vitality of farm livestock is based on sound nutrition from before conception and throughout life. So organically grown feedstuffs form the basis of the diet. Organic sheep are fed mainly on clover rich grass and must be allowed to graze fresh forage throughout the grazing season. Organic sheep are fed a minimum of 60% forage and a maximum of 40% concentrates. Non-organic sheep are fed a much higher percentage of concentrate.

Because of organic feed shortages and for a transitional period, the use of a limited amount of non-organic feedstuffs has been authorised. This is only permitted in those cases where the organic farmer is unable to obtain organic feed. The maximum amount of non-organic feed that can be given is 5% annually. We will be working with the other UK bodies to agree a decrease in these percentages in order to achieve 100% organic feed as soon as possible.

Health

The big difference between organic and non-organic sheep systems are the methods used to prevent and control diseases. Non-organic sheep are likely to receive many more veterinary treatments than organic sheep. For example many non-organic lambs will be wormed every four to six weeks, regardless of whether they actually have worms.

Organic farmers manage their flocks carefully to reduce the disease risk to new-born lambs and use clean grazing systems to minimise the need for worming. Clean grazing involves managing pastures so that sheep, and particularly lambs, are only put into fields that have very low or no worm infestation. If worming is necessary certain treatments can be used, provided the farmer gets approval from a vet and permission from Soil Association Certification Limited before using the treatment. If a wormer must be used, then those which do not leave residues in the animals' dung are used whenever possible.

Many non-organic farmers use organophosphorus dips to control sheep scab. Organophosphorus dips are banned under the Soil Association's rules as they have serious health implications for animal and humans. Double-fencing can help to prevent sheep scab, which spreads when infected sheep rub on fences dividing them from healthy ones. However, this method is impractical on upland areas. Maintaining a closed flock (no bought-in stock) can also prevent disease.

Organic farmers who buy in breeding stock are advised to check their health status and quarantine them before they run with the main flock. It is well known that stress renders animals more vulnerable to disease. Some organic farmers think that measures designed to protect the health of non-organic sheep - dipping, drenching, vaccinating - are often unnecessarily stressful.

Ideally organic sheep graze in a rotation with cattle. By moving sheep onto land which hasn't had sheep grazing it the year before means that different grasses are available for the sheep and cattle to eat. This varied diet is good for their health.

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This document is not to be used by Soil Association licensees as a substitute for the Soil Association organic standards. The standards are available to buy for £30. To order a copy please call 0117 914 2406, or email goorganic@soilassociation.org.