NSA event season kicks off with Eastern Region Winter Fair
12th February 2016
Melton Mowbray Livestock market was a hive of activity on Friday (5th February) as NSA members, sheep farmers and allied industries came together for the NSA Eastern Region Winter Fair.
Although one of the smaller NSA events, organisers were in good spirits and delighted to welcome faces old and new. NSA Eastern Region Manager Jonathan Barber says: “A huge thanks must go to the range of trade and breed society stands which came out and supported the event on Friday. The friendly buzz in the atmosphere was clear to see, and it is always a joy to meet new people and renew friendships on occasions such as this.”
The seminar area proved a popular attraction for visitors throughout the day, as six topics were covered by a range of industry experts. Themes included best practise advice on how to tackle worms and fluke, as well as several informative discussions on industry requirements and an outlook from AHDB Beef & Lamb. Drawing the biggest crowd on the day was a demonstration of on-farm post-mortem techniques, led by Farm Veterinary Solutions.
Additional highlights included the stockjudging competition, in which Sam Crossland of Nottinghamshire was awarded first place. Geoff Waton, Northamptonshire, took second while M.J. Wallis of Peterborough came in third place.
NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “It’s always a pleasure be able to attend NSA regional events throughout the year, and the first of 2016 as the NSA Eastern Region Winter Fair did not disappoint. What was noticeable and somewhat encouraging as a representation of the sheep industry was the number of young people present on the day, I hope each and every one of them was able to leave the event with extra information to aid their studies or sheep farming enterprises as they progress through their careers.
“The wide range of trade and breed society stands must, as at all NSA events, be highly commended for their efforts. Many of which incorporated live demonstrations, which enabled visitors to see exactly how equipment could work for them in a practical situation.”
A gallery of pictures is available at www.nationalsheep.org/events.
Full competition results:-
- Outside trade stands: 1, Allflex- Ritchey Handling System; 2, Pharmweigh; 3, Gallagher Fencing.
- Inside trade stands: 1, AHDB Beef & Lamb; 2, Advantage 3 in 1 Feeders; 3, Horner Shearing.
- Breed society stands: 1, British Charollais Sheep Society; 2, Lleyn Sheep Society; Suffolk Sheep Society.
- Stockjudging competition: 1, Sam Crossland; 2, Geoff Watson; 3, MJ Wallis.
