Sheep farmers hit by substantial losses in severe weather this winter should check whether they are eligible for Defra payments, says farm business consultancy Strutt & Parker.

Defra has made £250,000 available to help farmers who suffered heavier than expected losses due to the exceptional weather. Farmers can claim up to 75% of the costs paid for collecting and rendering sheep which died in the late March snowfall.

Those who had sheep collected between April 1 and May 15, this year, may be eligible for the funding, which is administered by the National Fallen Stock Company (NFSCo). The total payments to all farmers cannot exceed £250,000 and payments to individual farmers could be less than the 75% threshold as applications may exceed the budget available. Defra officials have used Met Office data to map where the snow fell deepest in order to decide upon the eligible areas.

Ali Gray, associate in Strutt & Parker’s Morpeth office, said: “It was a long hard winter, compounded by higher feed costs, which hit upland farmers particularly hard, especially during lambing. This payment will provide a very welcome helping hand and farmers should check to see if they are eligible.

“It is very simple to check whether farms lie in the specified postcodes by visiting the website www.nfsco.co.uk. Farmers do not need to be members of the NFSCo; they need simply to produce an invoice proving they had fallen stock collected during the eligibility window and fill in an application form.”

The deadline for applications from non-members is June 30. Members do not need to do anything as the NFSCo has all the information necessary on the system.

For further advice please contact Mr Gray in Strutt & Parker’s Morpeth office on 01670 500871.