NSA cultivating the next generation of the sheep industry

5^th February 2016

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is thrilled to announce the 12 individuals selected to represent the sheep industry in its 2016 Next Generation Ambassador programme, following an extremely competitive selection process.

This year’s impressive cohort comes from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from a self-employed contract shepherd with no previous farming experience to a third generation farmer who has recently directed the family business into sheep production. However, one thing they all have in common is there insatiable passion for the sheep industry and a willingness to communicate this to people from all walks of life.

As part of the overall NSA Next Generation initiative, the flagship Ambassador programme will provide the ambassadors with a series of training events covering a wide range of sheep topics. As well as increasing knowledge in the sector, the training aims to enhance personal development and business skills, which is vital to success in any trade. The individuals involved also develop a close working relationship with NSA, to the benefit of both parties.

Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, says: “The calibre of entrants we received this year has been outstanding and it’s been an extremely difficult job choosing the final 12 out of so many worthy candidates. The selection process is getting tougher each year and the enthusiasm and passion for the sheep industry shown by the many individuals that entered is very encouraging to see.

“For 20 years or more, addressing the short fall of new entrants into the farming industry has been on the agenda and is one of the biggest challenges we face. The next generation coming through into the sheep industry is absolutely vital. We must cultivate talent and encourage high calibre individuals into the sector who can bring enthusiasm and fresh ideas.

“NSA Next Generation is very much a two-way process and works, in part, to try and address this generation gap. As well as helping to further their own careers, the expert training also equips them with the communication skills and confidence needed to spread their passion and enthusiasm to a wider audience, and ultimately act as long term sheep industry ambassadors.”

This year’s ambassadors have been selected from all corners of the UK. They are:-

1. Jacob Anthony (22) Glamorgan
2. Ellen Helliwell (22) Gloucestershire
3. Hannah Jackson (23) Cumbria
4. Jamie Laurie (22) Dumfries and Galloway
5. Fred Love (23) Nottinghamshire
6. Oliver Matthews (27) Somerset
7. Alex Olphert (23) Hampshire
8. Dan Pritchard (30) Swansea
9. Tom Richards (22) Shropshire
10. Michael Ritch (24) Aberdeenshire
11. Robert Spink (24) Norfolk
12. James Wright (23) Sussex

NSA is really looking forward to working with the 12 new ambassadors, who will come together for their first session in late February. Find out more at www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk, and click on the “2016 Ambassador Group” tab to see individual profiles.

Notes to editors:-

• Visit www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk for more details on each of the 12 Ambassadors. For more details or images please contact Hannah Park, NSA Communications Officer, on 01684 892661 or hannah@nationalsheep.org.uk.
• The National Sheep Association is an organisation that represents the views and interests of sheep producers throughout the UK. It is funded by its membership of sheep farmers and its activities involve it in every aspect of the sheep industry. More at www.nationalsheep.org.uk and www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk.