A NEW project due to be launched this year aims to improve prospects for English sheep farmers.

EBLEX, the English Beef and Lamb Executive, has announced plans for a £1.5 million, two-year Better Returns Programme to help farmers get better prices for their lamb from autumn 2003.

The money, which will come from the controversial £5.5million National Sheep Envelope, will be spent on introducing a better price reporting system to improve price transparency, teaching producers better handling skills to help select lamb to meet customer requirements and improving breeding to increase yields.

For more information on EBLEX call 0870-242-1413.