BBC presenter Charlotte Smith visited East Sussex for the latest episode of Countryfile to speak with farmer Frank Langrish about upcoming visa changes that will affect overseas sheep shearers. Langrish, who manages a flock of around 4,000 sheep, expressed grave concerns over the new rules, which he says could have life-and-death implications for his animals.
Sheep at Risk Without Timely Shearing
Smith explained to viewers: "With a short window of a few weeks to shear, Frank says the job can mean the difference between life and death for some of his flock." Langrish elaborated that at this time of year, sheep carry very heavy fleeces, which can cause them to become stuck and die within a short period. He also warned that the heat attracts flies, leading to maggot infestations that can "eat them alive."
Visa Changes for Antipodean Shearers
Approximately 15 million sheep need shearing annually in Britain, a task often supplemented by professional shearers from Australia and New Zealand, known as Antipodean shearers. These workers have been a staple of British farming for decades, capable of shearing hundreds of sheep per day. Langrish recalled one young woman who could shear 400 sheep in a single day.
In February 2026, the UK government initially announced that overseas shearers would no longer be allowed to work in the country during the summer. Although a temporary visa reprieve was later granted for one final summer, new conditions apply. For the first time, shearers must pay £700 for a visa, a cost expected to rise significantly if they switch to the two-year Youth Mobility Scheme visa next year.
Animal Welfare and Cost Concerns
While Langrish can rely on trained family members for help, he fears for smaller farmers. He told Smith: "I'm very worried because, you know, it's not only going to add a lot of extra cost, but the animal welfare issues will be huge. We are a relatively well-organised, but there are lots of smaller farmers who really won't get the shearers to come in and do the sheep at all."
Government Response and Training Efforts
The Home Office declined an interview with Countryfile but issued a statement to the BBC. Smith relayed: "A government spokesperson said such concessions were temporary and designed to give sectors in the UK space to build a resilient, domestic workforce. They said they've been working closely with the farmers' organisation British Wools to train more sheep shearers, adding that 'Since 2021, the [British Wools] have invested more than £67,000 to support over 800 trainees and produce 317 commercially qualified sheep shearers.'"
The government described the temporary visa arrangements as a "much-needed" measure to provide commercial shearers while domestic training is ramped up.
