NSA Central Region Early Gathering
Date: 24th January 2019
Time: 9am
Location: Bakewell Livestock Market, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1AH
A combination of impressive seminar line ups, interactive workshops and an inspiring number of competitive young shepherds drew sheep farmers from across the Peak District and beyond to National Sheep Association’s (NSA) ‘Central Region Early Gathering’ at Bakewell Market, Derbyshire on Thursday.
This biennial event, the first in NSA’s 2019 calendar, is timed to allow sheep farmers from across NSA’s Central Region of England to catch up with friends and neighbours before the busy lambing season begins, whilst hearing from industry experts, including leading sheep vet Fiona Lovatt and recently awarded recipient of this year’s NSA George Hedley Memorial Award for contribution to the sheep industry Lesley Stubbings. The event also provided opportunity to meet with a range of exhibitors to view the latest in sheep innovations and products.
Following this year’s event theme of ‘Vital information for an uncertain future’ seminars discussed antibiotic resistance and the future market for sheepmeat before concluding with an update on the latest Brexit proceedings from NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker and Defra Livestock Advisor Jonathan Gill, drawing the largest audience of the day.
Mr Stocker comments: “NSA Central Region Early Gathering arrives at a crucial time for British agriculture as we all wait with bated breath to hear the outcome of the final deal in Brexit negotiations. It was encouraging to witness attendees at Thursday’s event, and in particular those joining myself for the Brexit seminar, are looking forward as positively as they can despite the uncertainties that could lie ahead of us.”
An especially encouraging feature of this year’s event was the number of young shepherds attending to compete in the two young shepherds’ competitions taking place. In total 42 young sheep enthusiasts took part in tasks such as lamb selection and medicine administration in either the DART training junior shepherd competition or the NSA Next Generation Shepherds competition kindly sponsored by the Texel Sheep Society. Taking the junior title was a team from Queen Elizabeth School, Ashbourne with the NSA Next Generation title awarded to Jack Charleton from Chatsworth Estate farm.
Also picking up an award, this time for the best trade stand was Shearwell Data Ltd, followed by Baavet woollen duvets and Farmers Fresh collecting the second and third place titles.
NSA Communications Officer Katie James, on behalf of NSA Central Region says: “This year’s Early Gathering really was an enjoyable day. Despite the chilly temperatures outside and with snow lying over most of the Peak district we still were pleased to welcome a good number of visitors to the event and thank them for joining us.”
NSA Next Generation Shepherd compeition results: 1st Jack Charleton, Chatsworth, Derbyshire. 2nd Harry Lyons, Congleton, Cheshire. 3rd James Freeman, Wolseley Brisge, Staffordshire.
Trade stand awards: 1st Shearwell Data. 2nd Baavet. 3rd Farmers Fresh
