THE Addington Fund farming charity has launched a new initiative to help raise vital funds for farmers in need.

The new scheme – Tup 1 Ewe – enables sheep farmers to nominate the sale proceeds of ewes or lambs to the charity at participating livestock markets around England and Wales.

Ian Bell, chief executive, said: "Farmers can donate a ewe and lamb or lambs or they can give the progeny of the ewe as a store or finished lamb.

"The proceeds will then be sent to the Addington Fund direct from the auctioneer and the funds raised will support farming families in the region of the market."

The Fund, which offers a lifeline to farmers in desperate need of housing or emergency funds, has worked closely with the Livestock Auctioneers Association Council in designing the scheme so that it is easy convenient and workable on a busy market day.

Strutt & Parker, Shearwell Data and JG Animal Health are also supporting it.

Mr Bell said: "We want to make donations easy and practical for the farming community. Livestock farmers have always been incredibly supportive of our charity and this offers a new and unique method of giving money to a worthy and much needed cause.

"This predominately results in us working to provide housing for farmers who are forced to leave their homes. However, in certain counties, we also offer affordable housing to anyone currently working in, or retired from, an agricultural or land based industry. A donation of just one animal could make a huge difference to someone’s future."

Farmers should look for details at their local market or ask their auctioneer.

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