CLIMATE CHANGE

To Think About Weather

Weather that is not what would normally be expected, for the time of year, in type, and in intensity, is being experienced in many parts of the globe. Climate change is happening.

Prior to climate change’s arrival, sheep farmers and shepherds over the world have known well in what particular kind of environment they were raising sheep. Essentially present was habitual circumstance. How weather would be during the sheep farming year could be envisaged, so what was to happen, and when, could be decided reasonably confidently. And because largely what was done was what had been always done, the plan of action and provision could comprise ‘the usual’.

Now that weather is not always that which is customary, and which would be anticipated, those with responsibility for sheep need to think a lot more about weather. They need to consider what now will be the weather conditions, and their likely outcomes, that they need to plan for and heed in their choices of provision for looking after their sheep. They cannot operate ‘on auto-pilot’.

This year so far in parts of the UK there has been much rain. Certain sheep pasture has become flooded, rather than being dry land. Among risks to sheep are those of drowning and foot rot. For trying to give them protection against rain, and cold, some new-born lambs are being given jackets to wear.   

The RSPCA said in August 2023 in the section ‘Climate change and animal welfare’ in its RSPCA welfare standards Sheep ‘The RSPCA believes that it is now appropriate to react to, think ahead on, and consider what can reasonably be done to mitigate any negative effects that weather conditions may have/be having on the welfare of farm animals now, and in the future.’

17th February 2026