Impressive seminar line up set to draw crowds to NSA Central Region Early Gathering
10th January 2019
Sheep farmers have the opportunity to arm themselves with up to date information and view the latest in sheep farming technology as NSA Central Region Early Gathering returns to Bakewell Livestock Market on Thursday 24th January.
As the ambiguity of Brexit hangs over the sheep industry, this year’s event takes the theme of ‘vital information for an uncertain future’, with a highlight set to be the three seminars held throughout the day featuring leading figures from the UK sheep industry.
The first seminar of the day will see a panel of industry experts, including leading sheep vet Fiona Lovatt, discussing the important topic of responsible antibiotic use. With increasing coverage on the need to reduce antibiotic use in livestock production this seminar will explore practical examples of reducing antibiotic use through vaccine use and best practice as well as updating attendees on what the wider industry is doing to reduce antibiotic use.
As popular media continues to raise questions over the health benefits of red meat in addition to increasing claims livestock production is ruining the British countryside and wider environment, seminar two will look to how industry can overcome this and counteract the damaging and, in many cases, false allegations. A panel including key representatives from AHDB Beef and Lamb, Pasture Fed Livestock Association and progressive upland farmer Jim Beary will debate the issue.
The programme will finish with a well-informed panel including NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker and Defra Livestock Policy Advisor Jonathan Gill leading a session to update attendees with the latest developments on Brexit as we prepare to exit the EU. Phil comments: “The 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 final deal negotiations and the commons vote. We hope, by the time visitors to the event join us for this seminar, that we will be able to give an up to date picture of what awaits UK sheep farmers for the years ahead and I would encourage people to join us to gain the benefit of being armed and ready for a potentially bumpy ride.”
The event opens at 10am at Bakewell Livestock Market, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1AH. As well as the informative seminars, the event offers an increased number of interactive workshops, Next Generation Shepherds competition, an excellent range of exhibitors and demonstrations throughout the day.
For more general event information visit the event mini website or contact NSA Communications Officer Katie James at katie@nationalsheep.org.uk
