Flock health focus at encouraging NSA Next Generation event
14th August 2019
Ensuring future responsible antibiotic use and effectively eliminating parasites were just two of the objectives for attendees at the National Sheep Association’s (NSA) first Next Generation two-day residential workshop to be held this summer.
Attracting young sheep farmers from across the UK the workshop offered a valuable opportunity for those attending to hear from some of the top names in sheep health as well as visiting two sheep farms who shared their experiences of improving flock health successfully.
Held at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, the workshop was the first in a new series of two-day events to be held by NSA this year as part of its Next Generation programme, supporting the future of the sheep industry through young people.
Helping to co-ordinate the events, NSA Communications Officer Katie James comments: “We were so pleased to be joined by such an enthusiastic and engaged group of young sheep farmers at our flock health event. NSA is lucky to be supported by some of most experienced and knowledgeable sheep vets, consultants and researchers in the country and their attendance at this event meant we were able to offer a truly valuable experience for our next generation of shepherds.”
Part of the group attending the event was Ed Bray, a sheep farmer from Lincolnshire. He says: “I had a great time on the workshop. I’ve learnt a lot and was really pleased to take home some useful new ideas to implement on my farm at home. As well as that I’ve met a great bunch of likeminded people.”
NSA is holding two further events next month offering more young sheep farmers aged 18 to 35 the chance to come together with the common aim of learning more about the industry to the benefit of their own farms or their work as shepherds. The first of these will be held in the Peak District, Derbyshire, focusing on those newer to the sector of those seeking to take on more responsibility on a family farm or to secure a farm tenancy. The final event will be held in the Scottish borders and will focus on general profitable lamb production. NSA is very pleased to be able to include two farm visits on each of the event to successful and varied sheep enterprises.
Mrs James continues: “We are looking forward to more young sheep enthusiasts joining us for one of our final events. They really do offer such a fantastic opportunity to meet with likeminded young sheep farmers at the same time as hearing from experts in the field and viewing some impressive sheep farms.”
NSA has subsidised the cost of hosting the events hoping to allow an increased number of people to attend. The price of the final two workshops start at £117 each with a reduced rate available for NSA members. Prices include accommodation and food at a four-star hotel, farm visits and all workshop sessions, as well as an NSA goodie bag and free T shirt.
Further details and an online booking form can be found at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/next-generation/events-activities/two-day-residential-workshops .
