NSA open event to arm the next generation of sheep farmers with skills and inspiration
26th October 2016
Young people with a passion for the sheep sector are being invited to an open event next month, being held completely free of charge as part of the NSA Next Generation project. This if the fourth year such an event has been held, being held this time at Stratford Livestock Market, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, by kind permission of Bletsoes on Friday 18th November.
Joanne Briggs, NSA Communications Manager, says: “This one-day event will focus on practical sheep skills and enable young people to gain tips and inspiration, whether they’re a new entrant in the industry or taking more responsibility within a long-established business. There will also be plenty of opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and share experiences of getting ahead in the sector.”
Attendees are invited to arrive at 10am for a 10.30am start, when the event will kick off with a look at the wide range of entry routes into the sheep sector. Four young people working in the industry will share their experiences of working on a family farm, establishing a share farming agreement, starting out as a self-employed shepherd, and running a flock without any owned land. This will be followed by a series of practical workshops, each ran by an expert in their area and covering six topics:-
- Keeping sheep healthy
- Making the most of performance recording
- Practical sheep handling
- Reporting and recording sheep movements
- Getting your hands on land!
- Keeping track of profitability
Mrs Briggs continues: “This event is completely free for people to attend and will be an informal and enjoyable day. The workshops will be done in small groups so attendees can ask any questions they want and take home information specific to their career or business. It will be an sociable day as well as providing a fantastic opportunity to increase knowledge and confidence.”
The event, running from 10am to 3.45pm, is free to attend but pre-registration is required at www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk/event. It has been made possible by a number of organisations, including Bletsoes/Livestock Auctioneers Association, MSD Animal Health, AHDB Beef & Lamb and the Farming Advice Service. The venue can be found on Campden Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 8LP.
The application window for the 2017 NSA Next Generation Ambassador Group will open on the day of the event, for one month only. Ambassadors from the 2014, 2015 and 2016 groups will be on hand to share their experiences of being part of the group, which sees up to 12 individuals each year given technical training and personal development relevant to the running of their sheep businesses.
