NSA voucher giveaway 2016: Marc Smith, Gloucestershire
16th August 2016
Most winners in NSA’s bimonthly prize draw are surprised to hear of their voucher win – but none more so than Marc Smith. He hadn’t even realised he was in with the chance of winning, having being entered into the draw as a new NSA member when his employers in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, recently signed him up to join the association.
Marc was automatically entered into the free prize draw, alongside all other new members who join NSA in 2016 and existing members who recommend a friend or neighbour to sign up. His was one of three names pulled out of the hat in the fourth of six draws through the year, seeing him win a £200 voucher to spend on agricultural supplies from Cox Agri/Richey.
Sheep work is a relatively new thing for Marc, progressing to a shepherding job after spending the last few winters working with sheep to complement his agricultural contracting work in the summer months. He explains: “My interest, knowledge and passion for sheep has increased over the years and I was given the opportunity to take on the day-to-day management of a 750-ewe flock this spring, working alongside the owner. He subscribed me to NSA thinking it would be beneficial and further my knowledge, which I am pleased to say it has. It is great to be kept abreast of what’s happening in the world of sheep, thoughts and current research.”
The flock at Cirencester is split equally between Welsh Cheviot ewes and homebred Mules, all lambed outdoors in April. But Marc is keen to also establish a flock of sheep in his own right and has recently bought a number of Shetlands ewes and his first sheepdog. He says he is hoping to use his £200 voucher to purchase several sundry items needed for this new flock.
He says: “I want to continue to grow my own sheep numbers and have greater input into the management of the main ewe flock, including the grading and marketing of finished lambs for the food chain.”
Full prize draw terms and conditions, plus NSA membership application forms, at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/draw.
