NSA Central Region 2012 AGM

Date: 26th November 2013

The 2012 Central Region AGM was held at the Bluebell, Tissington, in November. Bob Payne continues as Chairman for one last and final year, Anne Payne continues as Regional Manager/Secretary and Helen Battye remains as Honorary Treasurer. The NSA Central Region English Committee reps are Alastair Sneddon, Charles Sercombe and Matt Bagley. The Committee continues as open to all members. 

Charles Sercombe gave an excellent report on the work of the English Committee, focusing particularly on EID and the English database, explaining SouthWestern are currently liaising with industry and Local Authorities. A paper-based system will still be available and this will also be run by SouthWestern. On CAP reform, following the closure of Defra’s consultation on 28th November, modulation is now to be called ‘inter-pillar transfer’ – but whatever call you it will still mean an increase in deductions from SFP from 9% to 15%.

The main talk for the evening was given by Norbrook vet Dr Barry McInerney on liver fluke in sheep. This was an excellent presentation and there were plenty of questions from the floor. Thanks are due to Barry and his colleague Sarah Franklin for sponsoring the evening and providing the supper.

Our second speaker was Joanne Briggs from NSA Head Office, who gave an update on NSA activity over the past year with special emphasis on recruitment (460 new members this year, due in part to the successful Rappa promotion), the NSA Next Generation Ambassador Group, and planned improvements to the NSA website, particularly the Members Only area.

The evening ended with 50 people tucking into steak and ale pie, chips and peas. Our thanks to all who attended and we hope you had a good Christmas and a Happy New Year.