Sheep and goat keepers: complete your annual inventory
When and how to complete your annual sheep and goat inventory and how to submit it.
Applies to England
You must complete an inventory of the sheep and goats you keep every year.
You’ll get a letter or email from Defra at the end of November each year to tell you what to do.
You must complete and return your inventory by 31 December.
Contact Defra farm surveys if you have not got your letter or email by 11 December.
Defra farm surveys
Email: surveys@defra.gov.uk
Telephone:03000 600 140
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm
Find out about call charges
How to complete your inventory
You can complete your inventory online or by post.
Use the online service
You can use the online sheep and goats annual inventory to send your records online.
You can start this from the end of November, once you receive your inventory letter or email. This will include the details you need to access the service.
To log in you’ll need your:
- 9-digit county parish holding (CPH) number, as it appears on your letter or email from Defra
- your postcode
The service allows you to save your inventory record as you go.
Send your inventory by post
Fill in the form that Defra sent to you with your letter.
Return it in the pre-paid envelope. It will be addressed to the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
You must send your completed form to the ONS by 31 December.
Update your holding register
You must also update your holding register with the number of sheep and goats on your holding on 1 December.
If you use the Defra holding register template, there is a section for the inventory at the end of the document.
If you need help or advice
Contact Defra farm surveys if you need help with your inventory or submitting your form.
Defra farm surveys
Email: surveys@defra.gov.uk
Telephone:03000 600 140
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges
Last updated 16 November 2023 + show all updates
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You must complete an inventory of the sheep and goats you keep every year. You’ll get a letter or email from Defra at the end of November to tell you what to do. Contact Defra farm surveys if you have not got your letter or email by 11 December.
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First published.