Shropshire and Mid Wales farmers in 'no lamb sales' protest
Sheep farmers in Shropshire and Mid Wales will be protesting over poor lamb prices next week by refusing to sell their animals.
No Lamb Week, which begins on Monday, has been organised by farmers across the country, who say British retailers are not promoting home-grown lamb.
They say they will not be selling their lambs to abattoirs or meat processors all week.
Malcolm Roberts, who farms near Oswestry, says many sheep farmers are worried about how long they can stay in business.
"Lamb prices are very poor this year," he said.
"The strength of the pound is not helping as it makes hits our exports and also makes it cheaper to import.
"The retailers have to realise that we can not go on with poor lamb prices and high outgoings. We have to buy everything, medication, vet fees, fencing for the land, labour costs and diesel. There will come a time when many farmers say enough it enough."
The National Sheep Association is urging supermarkets to pay attention to the response of UK lamb producers to the unacceptably low prices currently being seen.
Phil Stocker, the association's chief executive, said: "There is a huge amount of frustration out there at the moment, as many of the factors currently forcing the price down are outside the hand of producers. While the exchange rate and export trade is far removed, everyone one of us can walk into major UK supermarkets and see the lack of support from some retailers.
"Retailers have not switched to selling UK new season lamb earlier enough. My message to the retailers is an urgent 'use it or lose it'."
The action comes as frustration among dairy farmers continues over milk prices, with warnings of more protests to come.
Mr Stocker said: "The association does not engage in militant action, such as we are seeing France, but there is no surprise that producers are calling for it when the situation is so serious. Having spoken to huge numbers of members in recent week, we are actually far more concerned about the silent majority of farmers, among whom we have found a worrying air of resignation with some clearly planning changes in lambing next year that will have a direct impact on retailer sourcing.
"As an organisation, we have been warning retailers that they have got to start supporting UK producers to protect and build their domestic supply chain. If the lamb prices continues as it is, it is becoming clear that producers are seriously considering their future options."
