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.

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.

Start now

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.