Let's find out about our NSA Next Generation Ambassadors sheepdogs this July......

I'm not sure what they are finding to eat but they seem to be nibbling away! We are having to feed hay back to them.

Catherine Sanderson
North Yorkshire

My flock at present aren't loving the lack of feed which has come from the persistant dry weather. They are however doing better on their feet and lambs are cooking lovely in the field. As they say lamb needs to be cooked twice once in the field and once in the oven. 

Thomas Chapman
Staffordshire

They are coping quite well in the conditions. The Dorsets are in good condition coming up towards lambing in 6 weeks time. The priority is grazing for weaned lambs and rams for that are for sale, and this is is difficult with very little grass. 

Richard Rossiter
Devon

Well having spent so long in Australia, and being very aware of the conditions in some parts over there at the moment I wouldn’t say I would consider the situation we’re in too serious. For me the biggest problem at this point is flys spreading mastitis. I’m quite lucky that we have quite a lot of top cover here in our pastures which is really helping retain the little moisture we have. Also we’re definitly not as dry here where I am than in some areas down South.

Lauren Bird
Oxfordshire

compared to a majority of the country we've survived pretty well with grass but I have never seen sheep drink as much water as they have this summer!!

Bleddyn Davies
Ceredigion

I can’t remember it being such a dry summer up in Shetland, we are spending our days carrying water to the various mobs of sheep. The lambs are looking well with the dry conditions and thriving but we are getting short for grass and would appreciate some rain!

Zoey Symington
Shetland

We own a heavy clay farm so the drought has not affected grass growth as badly as other places. Good for us on a dry year, awful for a wet year!
 

David McMullan
County Antrim

I think the sheep are dealing with it better than me, I can't take the heat very well,  Grass-wise, I'm in a muddle but not yet in trouble, another week/10 days and there will be nothing left worth eating on our sandy land. I do not envy shepherds and sheep men in harsher parts of the country 

Joe Emmett
Norfolk

The sheep have coped remarkably well, lambs looking great and gaining weight nicely, I on the other hand have been stressing and worrying for them if it was to continue we will run into big problems later in the year.

Kirree Kermode
Isle of Man

The flock is suprisingly coping well in the dry conditions. Lambs are gaining good DLWG but the lack of grass for weaning is a worry.

Sion Morgan
Scottish Borders

I'm not optimistic that we will get a deal before the deadline as the Government seems to be crumbling under the pressure. Whether it's a good deal for us we'll just have to see - as we learnt at the last session, don't worry about things we can't change just focus on making our own businesses as resilient as possible. Good or bad deal we will all be in it together!

Catherine Sanderson
North Yorkshire

I'm not very optimistic at the moment that we will get a deal done in time for Brexit but like so many things in life deadlines get missed and moved so who knows. Also whether it will be good for agriculutre is another matter as its not our largest economy. Hopefully it will be only short term effects and I will be hoping for trade deals around the world. 

Thomas Chapman
Staffordshire

Being optimistic I do think we will get a deal before the departure date and it will be positive for agriculture. Even though there has been a lot of people resigning I think that there hearts weren’t totally in it and the people stepping in to those roles are more determined to get the job done. 

Richard Rossiter
Devon

I can’t say I’m very optimistic about getting a deal to be honest, unfortunately I think there’s too many politicians playing politics instead of just getting on with what’s in front of them. I think the short term will be tough, building new deals, and finding our feet - change is never easy! But I am optimistic that there is potential for positivity in the future to come from Brexit for agriculture.

Lauren Bird
Oxfordshire

I am optimistic that some sort of deal will be struck before our official departure date! But it will be done in the same manner as these Q&A at the very last second! In regards to agriculture and farming I do not think it will be overly positive for us unfortunately. I believe our ability to export products to the EU will be limited and the intake of cheaper lower standard food will create problems!

Bleddyn Davies
Ceredigion

a) I am not optimistic that we will get a Brexit deal before our official departure date from the EU, or not in Scotland anyway. b) I am forever hopeful that the government is going to come with a good deal for UK agriculture but also forever doubtful. They rarely produce agriculture prospects on time and don't think Brexit will be any different!

Zoey Symington
Shetland

I am not optimistic at all about a deal although I do think that on the whole Brexit could be a good thing with the opportunity to trade freely with our own interests at the forefront.

 

David McMullan
County Antrim

Yes I'm optimistic, we have to be otherwise none of us would keep sheep I don't think! Not sure if it's going to be a good deal or not, any deal will bring some major changes which we will have no choice but to work with and make the best of. 

Joe Emmett
Norfolk

The best message for me is that there is no right or wrong sheep farming system. There were lots and lots of breed stands there and each breed worked well for the people on the stand. It's about choosing the breed, and the farming system, that works best for you and your farm. 

Catherine Sanderson
North Yorkshire

The best message I took home from Wednesday was not too drink too much at the NSA dinner as this leaves you feeling a little bit poorly. 

Thomas Chapman
Staffordshire

To not have your eggs all in one basket so you can spread the risk and re invest money when possible. 

Richard Rossiter
Devon

For me being part of the discussion on the current potential lack for a skills shortage of employed shepherds. I’ve been self employed, and I’ve been in situations where I haven’t enjoyed working for my employer at all, I’m lucky now to have found a job that I enjoy and an employer I enjoy working for and with - I think that’s the key. As a shepherd there has to be a sense of ownership to fuel the drive to do the job! 

Lauren Bird
Oxfordshire

You could spent a lot more money on fancy farming toys than you can make from sheep in a year!

Bleddyn Davies
Ceredigion

I really enjoyed the NSA Sheep event having never been before, the best take home message I received was the seminar's I took part in about employment in farming, UK wide and that there is more opportunities out there if you are willing to go for them!

Zoey Symington
Shetland

My take home message from the NSA Sheep Event was that there is a serious shortage of shepherds coming into the sheep industry and there is no quick fix to this problem.

David McMullan
County Antrim

To try and think positive and be proactive when your faced with challenges

Joe Emmett
Norfolk

Be ready for change not having all your eggs in 1 basket diversify where possible!

Kirree Kermode
Isle of Man

Spread your risk , invest into multiple different ideas on your farm.

Sion Morgan
Scottish Borders

I will be going to the small local shows (Bilsdale, Farndale and Stokesley). I enjoy the small community based shows much more than the big commercial ones like Yorkshire or the Highland!

Catherine Sanderson
North Yorkshire

So far I have only been to Newport show in Shropshire, which was really good. I was asked to do some stewarding for the Suffolk sheep where a Suffolk ewe lamb from one of my classes won the supreme champion of the show so that was nice to see. 

Thomas Chapman
Staffordshire

I have been to Devon County show, Royal Cornwall and Royal Welsh show. Achievement wise, the  Devon County was best as we won interbreed pairs, but in general I like the Royal Welsh as there is plenty to see and do. 

Richard Rossiter
Devon

I loved the Royal Highland show!! It was my first time there this year and that will definitely be a regular. 

Lauren Bird
Oxfordshire

I try to support my local shows and have my yearly outing with the sheep at Caerwedros show. As for larger shows, the Pembrokeshire show and the Royal Welsh. The Royal Welsh has got to be the by far the best show in the whole of Britain if not further afield. It is the pinnacle of the show calendar. 

Bleddyn Davies
Ceredigion

I went to the Highland Show in June and just have the local shows to go back home which I always look forward too. The Highland has to be my favourite as it’s such a good weekend with various types of livestock, machinery, food and social. This year I was lucky enough to go along with friends who were showing sheep so that was a new experience for me!

Zoey Symington
Shetland

I've been to Balmoral show. Its the big one over here. Brilliant showpiece for agriculture and also nice to see shiny machinery that I could never afford haha.

 

David McMullan
County Antrim

I've only been to the NSA event, not sure I'll get a chance to get anywhere else, although would love to go to the Royal Welsh and watch some shearing competitions, maybe next year.

Joe Emmett
Norfolk

We attend at Royal Highland and Great Yorkshire, I rather the GYS as the weather in July is normally a little better, its only 3 days so it’s not so long for livestock to be away from their normal environment plus their sheep shed is perfect for stock really airy and cool!

Kirree Kermode
Isle of Man

Well, of course I have to say the Royal Welsh is my favourite.... because its in Wales!

Sion Morgan
Scottish Borders

My sheepdog is called Tess. She's my first dog and I trained her myself so a bit of a learning curve! She does all I need her to do with the sheep (she runs in the direction I point because I got confused with away and come bye) and is also very good at catching rats which is ideal!

Catherine Sanderson
North Yorkshire

So I have quite a few sheepdogs as I try to train a few to sell on to other shepherds. I would definatley be lost with out my four legged best friends especially Quill as he is amazing at knowing what I want. Whether its a sick ewe to catch or to split a mob or how many sheep to put into the race he is a serious work horse. 

Thomas Chapman
Staffordshire

I have 3 sheepdogs, one's retired and two working. They are no trialing dogs but they save me running around. The youngest dog is the best, she is very strong but has a bit of style with it. 

Richard Rossiter
Devon

I currently have 7 all at different ages and stages. Skye is my main bitch and she’s just brilliant!!  Lyn came back from Australia with me, she’s a real character and a great work bitch. Peggy is my back up dog. Sweep is now 16 months and his training is progressing very well - waiting to get the lambs off the ewes so I can really put some work into him in the autumn. Gwen and Fern - pups I bred out of Skye now 6 months old. Fern is off to Australia and Gwen is shaping very nicely indeed. Laddie - just a tiddler at the moment at 10 weeks but if his breeding shines through he should be a topper!

Lauren Bird
Oxfordshire

Currently on farm we have 2 retired old dogs, Bill and Mal, who have worked hard to deserve their retirements, then a 3 year old Cap who has no breaks and four 9 month old pups which are Ben, Nell, Meg and Bonnie who are full of energy.

Bleddyn Davies
Ceredigion

I have 3 sheepdogs right now, a 5 year old bitch called ‘Allie’ who is my main collie, I depend on her everyday and hoping to put her in pup. I have a year old Welsh sheepdog called ‘Meg’ who I got as a trial as was needing something to move sheep and as she barks, has proved to be very handy for using in pens/yards. ‘Jet’ is a 9 month old collie pup I got as a gift and she is going to be a worker! She is very interested and keen, she’ll take a bit of handling but have high hopes that she’ll be a good sheepdog! 

Zoey Symington
Shetland

I had a brilliant sheepdog, Rex, until he got hit by a car and ended up having to lose a back leg. Now he is just ok with the sheep but he has been through that rough a time iIhave developed a soft spot for him lol. In the market for another dog soon.

David McMullan
County Antrim

I've 4 dogs at the moment, 2 collies, 2 kelpies. The oldest collie Ned is stone deaf and likes hiding stones in the back of truck, 2nd oldest collie jack is trial trained, tiptoes and creeps about looking like he knows what he's doing, enjoys hiding turnips from the other collie in the back of the truck. The Kelpie dog, Bruce,  unless you drop in an expletive to every command won't listen to a word I say but he's useful when he's tired. Little kelpie bitch Roo is 10 months, learning fast, starting to be useful. Funny old team but be lost without them, 

Joe Emmett
Norfolk

We have 5 bitches, mother and daughter jip & freckle, homebred especially for cattle work. We purchased 2 sisters Percy (3) & Tilly (2) from Percy Taits stockman Will Price in Worcester. An exceptional pair who can do all aspects of sheep work, one day they will talk, they’re so intelligent. Finally Nelly (1) from Northern Ireland, mad as a box of frogs but  seriously powerful with bags of talent if we can get her steadied up.  I don’t know how farmers manage without working dogs I wouldn’t enjoy farming as much without them.

Kirree Kermode
Isle of Man

I currently have 8 dogs; 4 Huntaways, 4 collies. Everyone has a place in the team and a job to do. I am trialling three collies this year and have got them all placed in the top six this season. Tess got a first open win for me a weeks ago. I am running her in the Scottish National this year too.

Sion Morgan
Scottish Borders