The (S)EUROP Sheep Carcass Classification Scale Explained
Until now, it has not been mandatory for abattoirs to report sheep carcass data.听Most abattoirs听do听classify sheep, and some voluntarily provide data to AHDB for reporting.听However,听due to the lack of standardisation of carcass grading in sheep, reporting can be difficult due to听variations in听dressing and weighing. This also causes complications听for听farmers and wholesale, as lambs听could potentially听end up as different听deadweight听depending on how they are dressed, which听then听has a knock-on effect on the price paid or received.听听
As of January 2026, Scotland,听England听and Wales have introduced mandatory standards and reporting for sheep classification, which are relevant to abattoirs over a certain size (numbers vary per nation).听听
Many abattoirs will already have been using the EUROP grid for sheep classification, although this was not mandatory. EU legislation has referred to the (S)EUROP grid since the 1990s, but in the UK many processors have stuck to the EUROP grid, as the 鈥淪鈥� element was optional. In contrast, some abattoirs on continental Europe have been using the听(S)EUROP system for decades.听
Using the S (superior) conformation class has become mandatory as part of the legislation introduced in 2026. The S stands for听superior听-听a conformation class above E, which听represents听excellent. This is aimed specifically at double muscled breeds, with extreme characteristics.听听
Double muscled breeds most notably include Texel and听Beltex,听now听very common听terminal sire breeds here in the UK, originating from The Netherlands and Belgium. In 2020 it was estimated at almost听one third听of ewes were bred to Texel,听Beltex听or Texel/Beltex听cross rams. This is a huge change from the 1970s, when Texels first started to arrive in the UK, and Suffolks were听at the time听the terminal sire breed of听choice. Since the arrival of the Texel in the UK 50 years ago, selective breeding increased the musculature of the breed, meaning further increased yields.听听
The addition of S to the EUROP grading system allows for these highly muscled lambs to be recognised, and assigned听an听S听classification, for which some abattoirs are offering a听p/kg听bonus.听听
The听image听below听shows the (S)EUROP conformation classes:听
From left to right: S - Superior, E - Excellent, U -听Very good, R - Good, O - Fair, P - Poor.听听
The improved alignment of carcass classification听will ensure that carcass value will more accurately reflect animal conformation听and the types of lambs being produced.听As the sector adapts to these changes, the consistent application of the (S)EUROP scale will play an important role in supporting farm efficiency.
Quianne听Reijnen,听Agricultural Consultant,听Quianne.Reijnen@sac.co.uk
Posted by SAC Consulting on 19/02/2026
