NSA provides new event for sheep contractors
10th October 2013
Whether you’re a scanner, shearer or providing other services for sheep farmers, NSA is inviting all contractors from around the UK to attend a new, two-day event on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th November 2013.
The event will provide the opportunity for contractors to meet likeminded people and compare trades, while speakers and other guests will cover practical topics, including advice from the British Wool Marketing Board on shearing, a look at different control methods for sheep ectoparasites, and tips for running a contractor business (managing cash flows, accounts and billing systems). There will also be a sheep handling workshop to help contractors think about efficient and effective ways to move sheep through handling systems. The event, which is being held near Cirencester Market, Gloucestershire, will provide plenty of opportunity for information discussions among the more formal proceedings, including at a dinner on the Friday night.
The contractor event is a joint initiative between NSA and National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), with Bob Blanden, NSA South East Regional Manager and a sheep contractor himself, helping to pull it together. Bob says: “It is issues such as how contractors engage with NAAC and NSA that we plan to discuss at the event – but we also want to share practical advice and provide the opportunity for contractors to get together and share their experiences.
“Contracting has often been a route that many young people have been able to use to get a foothold into the industry, and they have used it as a financial stepping stone and an expansion to their knowledge. Contractors gain extensive knowledge by working on many different and varied units which, in turn, leads to a situation where that knowledge transfer and information gathering is recognised for its worth and benefit to all. I have first-hand knowledge of the importance of meeting up and communicating with each other to share information, and also know how much can be learned both in a meeting and over a drink afterwards! Let’s kick-start that process again and bring contractors together for this event.”
The event is open to NSA members and non-members alike – but you must register your details with NSA as soon as possible in order to receive full details on timings and accommodation. Please email enquiries@nationalsheep.org.uk or call 01684 892661.
Notes to editors:-
- For more information contact Bob Blanden on 01666 860308, 07860 689391 or blanden@btinternet.com. Or call NSA Head Office on 01684 892661.
- 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 and www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk.
