NSA launches Ambassador Programme and new website for Next Generation of sheep farmers
8th October 2013
Continuing its commitment to young people in the sheep sector, the National Sheep Association (NSA) today launched an exciting Ambassador Programme and a new website as part of its NSA Next Generation project.
“We unveiled this project at our Sheep Event in July last year and have been working on it ever since, particularly to bring together the different elements of NSA’s existing activity for young people, such as our Young Shepherd of the Year competitions, the scholarships our regional committees offer, and helping people find work experience placements and employment within our network of farmer members,” said NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker, speaking at an on-farm event in Wiltshire today.
The event, held jointly with RASE, had a very positive feel and attracted around 60 young people interested in getting onto the sheep farming ladder. It was hosted by Tim White, a first generation farmer who opened the gates at Manor Farm, Sutton Mandeville, Wiltshire, and spoke about his experience of having no family farm business behind him but building up a thriving enterprise, now running a flock of Exlana sheep on rented ground over a 100-mile radius. He was joined by four other speakers (one via video) all under the age of 35 and running successful sheep farming businesses.
Phil Stocker continued: “Today was the perfect opportunity to unveil the next phase of NSA Next Generation, which now has its own branding and a dedicated website signposting young people to opportunities within the sheep sector. The www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk website provides links to training, funding and scholarship opportunities, it lists colleges and universities around the UK offering agricultural courses, and offers advice on starting your own sheep flock. It also brings together all the existing NSA activity, including our very popular matchmaking service for students looking for on-farm placements at lambing time. The website will be added to over time and we welcome comments from people with suggestions for additional content.
“NSA was also delighted to open the application process for the NSA Next Generation Ambassador Group 2014 today, which is the next stage of our project and something we are very excited about. By the end of this year we will have selected up to 12 young people with a real enthusiasm for the sheep sector and provide them a unique experience throughout 2014, offering technical and personal development, covering elements such as market selection, food chain development, sheep husbandry, brand development and adding value, optimising genetics, time management, business planning, presentation skills, conflict resolution and promotion of the sheep sector. With ambassadors selected from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the programme will provide the opportunity to meet likeminded people throughout the UK, as well as key people within the sheep sector.
“NSA Next Generation is supported by the NSA regions, Dunbia, Eblex and Two Sisters, which just goes to show the enthusiasm amongst the sheep sector to bring on the next generation, support and encourage them. We believe the sheep sector had a very positive future and hope this project will strengthen that further – so take a look at our new website and don’t forget the application process for the NSA Next Generation Ambassador Group 2014 closes at the end of November; application forms are online at www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk.”
Notes to editors:-
- For more information about NSA Next Generation please contact NSA Senior Communications Office Joanne Pugh on 07807 237982 or joanne@nationalsheep.org.uk. Joanne is on leave from Thursday 10th October so after that date please call NSA Head Office on 01684 892661 and ask to speak to Phil Stocker.
- For more information about today’s NSA/RASE event, including images if available, please contact Charlotte Johnston, RASE Technical Specialist (Livestock), on 07779 572598 or charlottej@rase.org.uk.
- The National Sheep Association is an organisation that represents the views and interests of sheep producers throughout the UK. It is funded by its membership of sheep farmers and its activities involve it in every aspect of the sheep industry. More at www.nationalsheep.org.uk andwww.nsanextgeneration.org.uk.
- RASE is committed to communicating ground breaking technology for the benefit of agriculture through the ‘Innovation for Agriculture’ initiative. More at www.rase.org.uk.
