FETF 2026 for Sheep Handling System Upgrades

The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2026

FETF 2026 for Sheep Handling System Upgrades – The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2026 is now open – and it’s the final round in its current form. While much of the noise online focuses on cattle equipment, sheep farmers have some of the strongest upgrade opportunities in this year’s scheme.

If you run a commercial flock, a mixed enterprise, or a hill farm, FETF 2026 offers a rare chance to upgrade your sheep handling system with significant grant support.

This guide breaks down the best opportunities with the FETF 2026 for sheep handling upgrades, which Farming Solutions products align with the scheme, and how to maximise your chances of a successful application.

Why FETF 2026 Matters for Sheep Farmers

FETF 2026 for Sheep Handling System Upgrades – Sheep handling systems are often the most labour‑intensive part of flock management. Many farms are still working with:

Old, heavy sheep hurdles
Narrow or awkward races
Outdated drafting setups
Manual systems that require too many people
Handling layouts that slow down routine tasks

FETF 2026 for Sheep Handling System Upgrades – Helps sheep farmers modernise their sheep handling equipment with safer, faster, more efficient systems that improve welfare and reduce labour pressure, especially during peak periods like dosing, foot care, lambing, and weaning.

With FETF 2026 grants typically covering 40–50% of the sheep handling system upgrades costs, this is the ideal moment to invest in long‑term improvements.

The Best Opportunities with the FETF 2026 for Sheep Handling Upgrades

Below are the highest‑value, highest‑impact upgrades for sheep farmers – all of which align with Farming Solutions equipment.

1. Sheep Races & Handling Hurdles (Animal Health & Welfare)

Best for: Every flock, from small lowland units to large hill farms.

Upgrading your sheep race and hurdle setup is one of the most cost‑effective ways to improve:

Sheep flow
Handler safety
Welfare during routine tasks
Efficiency during dosing, dagging, and foot care

Modern hurdles and race panels are lighter, stronger, and designed for fast setup and movement.

Why this scores well: Clear welfare improvement + reduced stress + safer handling.

2. Drafting & Sorting Systems (Productivity)

Best for: Farms wanting to speed up sorting and reduce labour.

Drafting systems are one of the strongest Productivity theme items because they:

Reduce handling time
Improve labour efficiency
Support weighing and EID workflows
Reduce stress by minimising repeated handling

Whether you’re sorting by weight, condition, breeding group, or sale group, drafting gates dramatically speed up the process.

Farming Solutions recommendation: Pair a drafting gate with a weigh system for a high‑scoring application.

3. Sheep Weighing Systems & EID Readers (Productivity)

Best for: Performance‑driven flocks, finishing units, and farms selling direct.

Weighing and EID technology, such as EID readers, is one of the most popular FETF items because it:

Improves growth monitoring
Supports medicine accuracy
Reduces handling frequency
Improves data accuracy
Integrates with flock‑management software

Why this scores well: Strong productivity gains + better data + reduced labour.

4. Rollover Crates & Sheep Crushes (Animal Health & Welfare)

Best for: Farms doing regular foot care or health treatments.

Rollover crates and sheep crushes:

Improve safety for handlers
Reduce strain during foot trimming
Support accurate dosing
Reduce stress for sheep
Speed up routine tasks

These are high‑impact welfare items that score extremely well.

5. Portable Handling Systems (Mixed Themes)

Best for: Hill farms, outlying grazing, and multi‑site operations.

Portable sheep handlers are ideal for:

Gathering sheep in remote areas
Reducing travel time
Improving welfare during handling
Reducing labour requirements

Why this scores well: Clear welfare + productivity + labour savings.

Example FETF 2026 Applications for Sheep Farms

Farmers respond well to real‑world examples. Here are three you can use in your marketing.

Example 1: Lowland Flock (Animal Health & Welfare)

Goal: Improve sheep flow + reduce stress. Application includes:

New race panels
Anti‑backing gate
Drafting gate

Why it scores well: Clear welfare improvement + safer handling.

Example 2: Hill Farm (Productivity)

Goal: Reduce labour during gathering and sorting. Application includes:

Portable handling system
Weigh system
EID reader

Why it scores well: Strong labour savings + improved data accuracy.

Example 3: Mixed Farm (Animal Health & Welfare + Productivity)

Goal: Improve foot care + add weighing. Application includes:

Rollover crate
Weigh system
Drafting gate

Why it scores well: Welfare + productivity + efficiency.

How to Maximise Your FETF 2026 Score (Sheep‑Specific Tips)

✔ Choose equipment that clearly improves welfare

Races, hurdles, rollover crates, anti‑backing gates.

✔ Show labour savings

Drafting gates, portable systems, weighing equipment.

✔ Demonstrate productivity gains

Weighing + EID = strong scoring.

✔ Match the DEFRA spec exactly

Farming Solutions will check this for you.

✔ Apply early

High‑scoring applications are funded first.

How Farming Solutions Helps Sheep Farmers Apply

We make the process simple:

✔ FETF specification check

We confirm your chosen equipment matches the DEFRA requirements.

✔ Grant‑ready quotes

Formatted exactly how FETF requires.

✔ System design advice

Send us a photo or sketch – we’ll recommend eligible upgrades.

✔ Fast support during the application window

Essential during the short deadline.

Final Thoughts on the FETF 2026 for Sheep Handling System Upgrades

FETF 2026 for Sheep Handling System Upgrades – FETF 2026 is the last chance to secure grant support for upgrading your sheep handling system under the current scheme. Whether you need new hurdles, a drafting system, weighing equipment, or a full portable setup, this is the moment to act.

👉 Explore eligible equipment and get a grant‑ready quote: