Information Leaflet
Purchasing Stock / Finding a Grazier
This leaflet provides advice on purchasing your own stock and / or finding a suitable grazier. A range of factors also need to be considered before animals are introduced (see Box 1) and further guidance on these can be found on the GAP resources webpage. Box 1. Preparations before animals arrive on site • Complete a Grazing Impact Assessment. • Prepare a grazing regime that
»Meets » your conservation aims. »Complies » with all relevant legislation. »Maintains » good standards of animal health and welfare. Include >>Stock species, breed, age and sex, breeding or non-breeding animals. >>Stocking density. >Time > of year grazing will occur. >>Duration of grazing.
• Prepare an Animal Health Plan »Include » biosecurity measures.
• Ensure you have informed the relevant authorities and obtained the appropriate licences. • Fully assess the site and determine how grazing will fit in with other site management objectives, e.g. wildlife, landscape, public access, heritage, community, legal, grant requirements etc. • Perform detailed risk assessments for »The » stock. »Staff » and volunteers. »The » general public.
©Rare Breeds Survival Trust
Kevin Caster
Sympathetic grazing is a natural and efficient way to promote biodiversity in a wide range of habitats. Every site is unique and a number of key decisions are required in order to produce a bespoke grazing strategy that • Meets the conservation aims • Considers any specific site requirements • Maintains high animal welfare standards.
Figure 1: Grazing Hebridean Sheep
• Identify any works necessary before grazing can commence. Consider »Fencing. » »Access » points plus animal transportation on / off site – will these be disrupted in adverse weather? »Handling » facilities. »Water » availability. »Adequate » shelter. »Signage. »
• Identify who is in charge of stock heath and welfare. • Clarify stock checking procedures. • Develop »Action » plans for any emergencies. »Procedures » for casualty animals / fallen stock. »A » lone working policy for staff involved with stock management.
• Ensure your staff have been trained in
»Stock » handling and management. »The » use and handling of animal medicines.
• Make sure you have insurance to cover »3rd » parties. »Stock » injury or loss.
• Address anything else relevant! Grazing Animals Project Original Document 2007; Revised 2019
Page 1 Written and Designed by Pen Rashbass
Purchasing Stock / Finding a Grazier
Use your own stock or use a grazier? There is ‘No one-size fits all’ and there can be advantages and disadvantages to either using your own stock or using a grazier. In all cases, regular communication is key – both before grazing starts and during the grazing period. Points to consider when deciding which option is most suitable may include • Keeping the grazing ‘in house’ and using your own staff. »» You are in complete control of when and how the grazing strategy is implemented. »» However, keeping stock takes a considerable amount of staff time, additional expenses and resources (including where to keep stock when not required for conservation grazing).
»» It requires a good stockperson who is responsible for ensuring the health, welfare and legal obligations of the stock. • Using a grazier. »» This can be highly successful if you can find someone who appreciates the ecological aims for your site and is willing to work with you to design a grazing strategy that meet your requirements. There are several individuals around the UK who provide specialist conservation grazing services to landowners (see Case Study 1). »» At the other extreme, the grazier could ignore the ecological requirements and conservation aims of the site and graze it inappropriately.
Case Study 1. The Conservation Grazier’s Perspective. James Allen, Heritage Graziers time and money to stock check regularly. A normal We run a herd / flock of rare breed cattle and sheep round of stock checking across multiple sites can conservation grazing across the Cotswolds. Working take 2 hours driving and 2 hours walking. In snow, in partnership with landowners we aim to achieve the the sites we graze can be inaccessible by vehicle – it desired outcomes for the grasslands and our clients. may add an extra hour of walking to stock check on It is a privileged to graze and spend time in some of a single site. With four sites grazed at the same time, most special habitats in the country – there is nothing this quickly adds up. more rewarding that walking a species-rich wildflower • Stock tend not to be on a particular site for more meadow full of orchids and butterflies knowing that all than a month or two, so additional time and money the effort we put in grazing with livestock over the winter are required to cover these regular moves. For is helping to preserve it. example, there can be costs associated with any We do charge for our work and consider each site pre-movement TB test. Also, moving mobile handling on a case by case basis. For example, we wouldn’t equipment is very heavy and time consuming. graze somewhere for a less than a month without an Moving all our grazing stock and handling equipment additional premium. There are also other factors we take to another site can take three long days of effort; into account including location, access, facilities, on-site which is hard in the winter months. As an example on one site, we have to move all the cattle handling handing equipment / corral etc. equipment (including the yoke) by hand 200m up a Our reasons for charging include: steep hill as there is no suitable vehicle access. • Conservation grazing is hard work and time • The grazing is a service that the land owner is usually consuming. It would be so much easier, and cheaper, getting funding for, so we feel that some of that to just rent good pasture local to home. should be passed on to the grazier. • Grass tends to be poorer quality and so stock have to • The grazing is usually seasonal. Additional summer work hard. Our native stock do well on conservation grazing needs to be found and this puts up a graziers’ grass during the winter, but they still loose condition costs. that needs to be put back on in the summer. Careful We have had mixed reactions from land owners, planning and a bit of luck can be required to make ranging from those only too keen to take us up on the sure the stock aren’t stranded when out of grass service to those that think we should be paying them. (e.g. in adverse weather) as often no supplementary Overall being a conservation grazier is very rewarding feeding is allowed on a lot of sites. • Sites are often not very local or accessible. It costs and satisfying but it isn’t an easy way of keeping livestock.
©Rare Breeds Survival Trust
Grazing Animals Project Original Document 2007; Revised 2019
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Purchasing Stock / Finding a Grazier
A number of different business models can be used when working with a grazier. Options could include • The grazier should be paid for the work (See Case Study 1). • The grazier pays a peppercorn rent to take into account poor quality grazing and / or other imposed restrictions. • The grazier pays a full commercial rent. • The arrangement could be via »» A grazing licence. »» A contract arrangement. »» A shared farming agreement. »» A farm Business Tenancy. »» A grazing let. »» Stock leasing e.g.where you purchase stock and lease them to the grazier for a nominal fee, s / he looks after and maintains the original number of animals and uses them tograze the site but keeps any progeny from breeding Ensure you understand the legal requirements for these different kinds of agreement. If necessary seek specialist advice from a solicitor and / or land agent. As said before, every situation is different and good communication is paramount. It helps to understand the type of enterprise the grazier is running. Ideally, you should work together to reach a mutually beneficial solution. Remember, if you want to build a successful relationship that lasts, the agreement you reach must allow your grazier to make some profit. If you are unable to pay for your grazier’s services, then you may be able to contribute to costs by providing support e.g. fence maintenance, a good quality, reliable water source, well-designed catch pens and / or hurdles, stock checks, assistance moving equipment and stock on / off site etc.
©Rare Breeds Survival Trust
When considering your requirements • Determine the length of the agreement – the land-owner may want only a (renewable) yearly licence while the grazier may prefer a long-term contract that provides stability for him / her. »» Agreements should be made as far in advance as possible (ideally at least 12 months) so that the grazier can plan his / her grazing venture . • Make sure that It is clear who »» Is responsible for all aspects of animal welfare as well site infrastructure. »» WIll claim any agricultural or environmental payments for the site. »» Is responsible for meeting any requirements set by the payment scheme. • Make sure the grazier has sufficient and up-to date insurance in place. • Are there additional restrictions required because the site is being managed for conservation purposes? e.g. »» The land has to be grazed within a specific time period. >> You may want an arrangement that can be flexible to take into account the yearly variations in forage growth. This will depend on the weather and previous site management. >> You may find it more effective to communicate the desired outcome rather than setting a pre-determined stocking density. Photographs are a quick and effective way of showing what is required.
»» Limits to number and type of livestock e.g. species, age, breeding or not. »» Restrictions to mowing, cultivating, applying fertiliser or sprays etc. »» Medicinal restrictions e.g. limiting the use of anthelmintics containing avermectins. »» Limits to (or location of) supplementary feeding – this may include number or type of lick buckets.
>> This may need to be adapted in emergency situations e.g. severe adverse weather when supplementary feed must be provided for animal welfare reasons
Grazing Animals Project Original Document 2007; Revised 2019
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Purchasing Stock / Finding a Grazier
Regularly review the site with your grazier to ensure the grazing meets your requirements and that there are no problems that need to be addressed.
Selecting Livestock It is important to select appropriate livestock that meet your grazing objectives and can adapt well to your local conditions.
It is prudent to include a ‘premature termination’ clause in your agreement just in case there are significant issues that cannot be resolved.
Traditional and native breeds tend to fare better than modern ones on nutrient-poor swards. However, these usually take longer to ‘finish’ (i.e. reach a final saleable weight) and this can be further delayed if the forage quality is poor.
©Rare Breeds Survival Trust
Other points to consider include • The animal’s age and physiological status »» Young and breeding animals have higher nutritional requirements than mature non- breeders. »» Older animals (especially goats and sheep) may start to loose their teeth and this will effect what they can eat. »» Older animals often have more experience and may be better foragers on complex, semi-natural sites. »» Young animals may be more flighty. • Conformation. »» Animals with structural deformities (e.g. undershot or overshot jaw) may not cope with tough or woody vegetation. »» Animals with poor foot conformation may be prone to lameness. »» Fast-growing hooves are an inherited trait in some cattle and ponies – try to avoid purchasing these. Figure 2: Despite having plenty of grazing, this Shetland cow chooses to browse tree leaves
Grazing Animals Project Original Document 2007; Revised 2019
Ruth Dalton
Where to purchase stock / find a grazier The places where you may find a grazier are often the same as where you would seek advice about purchasing suitable stock. Potential options include • RBST regional field officers. • Relevant Breed Societies. • Nibblers discussion forum. • Local Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group. • Nature Friendly Farming Network. • Pasture Fed Livestock Association. • Social media • Web search • County based conservation organisations who may already graze livestock e.g. »» Local Wildlife Trust. »» Local National Nature Reserve Warden. »» Local National Park. »» Woodland Trust. »» Forestry Commission. • Livestock Auction markets either for auction or private sales. They may be able to recommend local farmers who keep native breeds. • Local young farmers clubs. • Local agricultural college. • Advertise in »» Farming and smallholder press. »» Livestock auction markets. »» Online auction sites e.g. Sell My Livestock. »» Local agricultural suppliers. • Check out ‘foodie’ outlets including »» Local butcher or restaurant selling locally sourced native breed produce. »» Big Barn website. »» Farmers markets. • Knock on local farm doors and ask them!
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Purchasing Stock / Finding a Grazier
»» Breed and upbringing (background) affects constitution and temperament. »» Some breeds are noted for hardiness or docility. However, an animal’s individual history will effect its current and future health and fitness. »» Individual animals within a given breed will have different temperaments and often have different grazing / browsing preferences. »» Many animals will vary their dietary intake depending on their needs and partiality (see Figure 2). »» Upbringing, previous experience and genetics are important factors in determining behaviour. Livestock learn from their mother, others in their herd / flock as well as previous experience (see Case Study 2). »» If livestock do not recognise a particular fodder type (e.g. tree leaves or weeds) as food, they may ignore it – in some situations, their inability to recognise a food source can even result in starvation. If required, it is possible to train stock to eat a more diverse diet (see behave.net for more details). • Biosecurity (see below). Case study 2: How a natural event altered a flock’s feeding preferences. John Bacon. Church Stretton, Shropshire We recently chose Badger Face sheep in preference to Hebrideans as we knew Hebrideans always barked stems and Badgers didn’t. This held true for three years until an ash tree blew down in their very grassy field – they quickly devoured all reachable bark, even standing on their hind legs to get a tiny bit more. On moving them to another field with mixed hedges, which they have previously completely ignored, they immediately started barking them badly even though they had lots of juicy grass. So now we are having to fence out anything with bark on it. Aaaargh! On the other hand, given this altered behaviour, if you wanted to get your animals to remove scrub, you may be able to encourage them to do this by giving them some recently cut, highly palatable tree branches to bark first!
©Rare Breeds Survival Trust
• If buying ponies, check that they are used to being handled and are head-collar trained. Semi-feral equines require experienced handlers and substantial handling facilities. • If buying cattle, consider whether they will need to be Tb tested on site, how often this may be required, and whether you have the facilities and staff to do this. If necessary, seek advice from, for example • Experienced site managers who are grazing similar habitats. • An experienced conservation grazier. • Your local RBST field officer. • The Nibblers forum • The Breeds Profiles Handbook. Grazing sites with public access No animals known or suspected of being aggressive should be allowed on sites with public rights of way • Use breeds and animals that tend to be more docile in temperament. • Choose livestock that are familiar with people, dogs and other stimuli they may encounter. • It is illegal to keep bulls from recognised dairy breeds on sites with public access.
»» These breeds are Holstein, British Friesian, Ayrshire, Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, Jersey and Kerry.
• Beef bulls are banned from fields or enclosures with footpaths unless accompanied by cows or heifers. • In areas with heavy public access, try not to have
»» Calving cows. »» Cows with calves less than 12 weeks old. »» Lambing ewes. »» Ewes with young lambs. »» Bulls older than 10 months old unless accompanied by cows. »» Rams older than 12 months old unless accompanied by ewes. »» Groups of steers and bulling heifers that can be boisterous and inquisitive.
Grazing Animals Project Original Document 2007; Revised 2019
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Purchasing Stock / Finding a Grazier
The HSE have produced an advice leaflet on cattle and public access for English and Welsh livestock keepers. A Scottish version is also available. The GAP resources webpages also has more advice on grazing sites with public access. Bringing livestock onto a site All stock should be assessed before bringing it on site You should carefully assess the temperament of new animals prior to exposing them to the public or letting them loose on a site with challenging terrain that may be hard to gather. If using a grazier, check that he / she is confident about the stock’s behaviour. If required, put sufficient time in training your stock to get used to you, being loaded on trailers plus going through your handling systems. This initial effort will pay dividends in the future. Newly introduced livestock that have not previously been on a site can be significantly stressed by their new environment. In addition, this problem can be exacerbated if they are • Placed with animals they don’t know. • Not able to find food they recognise. • Handled roughly. Long-term stress can decrease performance and depress the immune system which in turn can increase the risk of ill-health. Newly introduced animals can be helped by • Selecting animals that were raised in a similar environment to the new area. • Introducing animals to foods they will encounter prior to the move. • Providing familiar foods at new locations. • Providing appropriate role models e.g. have a mature cow run with younger stock. The older animal acts as the lead animal to show the new arrivals where to forage and
©Rare Breeds Survival Trust
what to eat. However, although it can help to mix experienced and naive animals, it should be remembered that animals prefer to graze with companions rather than with strangers, so they may choose to graze as separate herds! If an individual animal is a problem, it should be removed from the site Biosecurity Biosecurity measures are the steps taken to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious disease. They are a crucial part of disease prevention and control. You do not want to introduce • A disease you don’t have. • A problem you don’t have e.g. antibiotic or anthelmintic resistance. Infectious disease can be spread by • Introduction of diseased animals. • Introduction of animals incubating a disease i.e. animals are infected but not yet showing symptoms. • Introduction of healthy stock that are carriers for a disease. • Neighbouring stock (e.g. nose to nose contact across fencelines). • Contaminated water e.g. surface water, shared troughs, streams and rivers. • Other species e.g. dogs, cats, wildlife, rodents, birds and insects. • Vehicles and trailers, equipment, clothing and footwear of people (vet, other farmers, stockpersons, volunteers, contractors, the public etc.) who may move between flocks / herds. • Feedstuffs especially if contaminated with faeces. • Manure handling or manure dust. Make sure all staff and volunteers working with stock are fully aware of your biosecurity procedures.
Grazing Animals Project Original Document 2007; Revised 2019
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Purchasing Stock / Finding a Grazier
Knowing the disease status of your own animals is important. Discuss with your vet which diagnostic tests and preventative vaccines are appropriate for your flock / herd. This will help determine the most appropriate health status of any incoming animals. Stock from high health status herds / flocks may have more naive immune systems and so are vulnerable to developing disease if mixed with less ‘clean’ stock. Never mix animals together without considering the possible disease risks There are a number of animal health accreditation schemes e.g. CHeCS certification, Premium Cattle Heath Scheme, BVDfree England, Scottish BVD Eradication Scheme, Premium Sheep and Goat Accreditation Scheme that can be useful in identifying suitable vendors.
If considering purchasing cattle from England or Wales, the ibTb interactive map, provides information of current and previous Tb breakdowns around the vendors location. Good biosecurity not only applies to newly purchased stock, but also to stock returning from grazing other sites. Animals that have been away from the main holding could have mixed with other livestock (or their by-products from previously grazing), wildlife or contaminated water supplies. For more information on biosecurity and quarantine procedures see the GAP leaflet on Animal Health and Welfare and NADIS website.
James Allen
Figure 3: Summer Grazing
©Rare Breeds Survival Trust
Grazing Animals Project Original Document 2007; Revised 2019
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