NSA Rappa prize giveaway 2013: Fraser Kerby, Monmouthsire
5th November 2013
There could only be one lucky winner of the Rappa Mobile Sheep Yard we were giving away as part of the 2013 membership recruitment campaign – and even those of you not fated to have your name pulled out of the hat cannot begrudge 18 year-old Fraser Kerby his good fortune.
Fraser is a new entrant into agriculture, purchasing his first 20 sheep only a few weeks ago and slowly making his way up the farming ladder by taking grazing in return for improving grassland and fencing.
He recently completed his BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Agriculture at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire and is currently working with a 400-ewe flock at St Weonards, Herefordshire, before returning to Hartpury next year totop up to a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture. Fraser’s newly purchased ewes are based at his home near Usk, Monmouthshire, and he has big plans to grow this foundation flock and branch into the pedigree world too.
He says: “I got interested in sheep a few years ago because they are easier to handle than cows or pigs. My dad’s cousin, Peter Williams, farms at Great House, Llansoy, which is a Farming Connect Demonstration Farm, and in my year out I am working for Brian Whistance, who keeps about 400 commercial ewes.
“I bought my yearling Suffolk cross and Texel cross ewes from Williams Associates’ sale at Usk Showground. I was really excited when I had bought them, especially knowing they were good strong ewes. My friend Hugh Powell who farms at Llanvapley helped me to choose the best pens and bid at the auction. I will be putting a Charollais ram lamb with them, to produce butchers’ lambs. Our local butcher in Usk, Neil Lewis, will take them if they grade to his requirements.
“Currently I have no buildings and three acres of my own, some of which has trees and chickens in it. I have come to a deal with one of my neighbours that if I keep my sheep on his field I would get it back looking how it should be with less of the docks and other weeds. I also have a boundary fence to replace. I have also been offered 40 acres of grazing to tidy up after cattle which are out all year round.
“I wish that in a couple of years’ time I will have more ewes and more land. I also plan to grow a pedigree and commercial flock. I would run a commercial flock so I have a constant cash flow and then a pedigree flock so I get a smart flock which will provide me with lots of money at pedigree sales if they meet the right specifications.”
Fraser joined the NSA at the Royal Welsh Show in July, where he benefitted from the half-price membership subscription we offer to all under 27 year olds. He’d forgotten about the chance of winning the sheep handling system until NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker called him in late September.
He says: “I was very excited but did wonder if it was a hoax call! The Rappa system will help me manage my flock because I can take it to the sheep, which is a plus. Also I can move it regularly to decrease the chance of disease.”
Phil says: “I’m delighted Fraser emerged as the winner of the draw, particularly given NSA’s involvement in encouraging and supporting the next generation of sheep farmers. I hope it will help him on his future steps on the farming ladder. I want to thank Rappa for so generously supporting this NSA membership promotion campaign, providing an incentive that has had a real impact for us and promoting a leading British sheep equipment manufacturer.”
Mark Grant Goodey, Sales Director at Rappa, says: “Rappa has long been aware of the valuable work the NSA provides for its members. We were therefore pleased to donate one of our mobile sheep handling systems and especially happy that the winner of the competition turned out to be a young sheep farmer who will really benefit from the system as he continues to grow his flock. As flocks get bigger, or shepherds need to do several jobs, efficient use of time is increasingly important. The Rappa yard addresses this problem while minimising stress to the sheep.”
The NSA/Rappa free prize draw was a membership recruitment campaign that took place between 24th January and 23rd September 2013. All new members during that period were automatically entered into the draw, as well as existing members who recommended a friend or neighbour to sign up also entered the draw, with no limit to the number of times a person’s name went into the hat. Nearly 500 names were entered in the draw, which took place in late September in front of an independent auditor. Fraser Kerby took receipt of his new piece of kit in mid-October 2013.
