A NATIONAL scheme to help producers meet buyer specifications enjoyed a huge response when it was launched at the sheep fair.

More than 250 producers signed up for the two-year Better Returns programme, run by the English Beef and Lamb Executive.

"The enthusiasm from producers and from the sheep industry wanting to participate was incredible," said Chris Lloyd, BRP project manager. "We had a queue of farmers on the stand wanting to know more about the BRP and what it could offer them, as well as very positive expressions of support from the wider industry."

The programme aims to sharpen the skills of farmers to meet the specifications demanded, and earn extra income by doing so.

An average price difference between an R2 and a 4H carcase can be as much as £6.30 for a 21kg lamb and, for most flocks, not hitting the right specification can cost them thousands of pounds.

Eblex believes BRP could help deliver benefits worth about £12m over the next two years.

A series of practical, hands-on demonstration days, farm walks and evening meetings, will be held as part of the project. These will concentrate on improving sheep handling and selection for slaughter skills; explain how to use quality price reporting information, and use the latest information on terminal sires to help producers maximise yields.

Pilot events were said to have been highly successful.

The Eblex stand at the fair was busy all day with farmers finding out more information and trying their hand at carcase selection.

Peter Morris, the NSA's policy executive, opening the fair, welcomed the launch of the BRP. "The timing is ideal in helping producers link into future market openings and meet the challenges and opportunities posed by CAP reform," he said.

As part of the launch a lamb butchery demonstration was held to show how the increased dressing time and extra waste generated by trimming overfat lambs resulted in producers losing out financially.

Only 60pc of the 8m English lambs marketed last year met mainstream buyer specifications.

"By focusing on selection skills and better breeding, the BRP can help producers supply sheep which better meet buyer specifications, and channel more of this 'lost cash' back in their pockets where it belongs," farmers were told.

Producers can sign up for details of events on-line at www.eblexbetterreturns.org.uk or on 0870 241 8829.