NSA Next Generation Ambassadors complete programme of personal and career development
3rd October 2022
The 2022 cohort of National Sheep Association (NSA) Next Generation Ambassadors drew their programme to a close last week following their final engaging session in Northumberland.
Having come together at the start of the year the group of 13 young sheep farmers from all corners of the UK have taken part in a series of four ‘delivery sessions’. These interactive training meetings have included classroom activities, practical sessions, farm walks and site visits, and have challenged the group to think objectively about their own businesses and the wider farming industry.
Enjoying their final gathering the group appreciated the kind hospitality of Hexham Auction Mart as their base for inspirational theory sessions on dealing with change and promoting personal growth followed by advice on business planning. And the group were especially interested by excellent farm tours with 2017 NSA North Sheep hosts David Smith and family from West Shields Farm, Tow Law, County Durham and future 2023 NSA North Sheep hosts J.E Woodman & Son at their Bradford House Farm near Ponteland in Northumberland.
NSA Next Generation Ambassador Perry Parkinson from Dumfries comments: “I’ve loved every minute of the Ambassador programme. I’ve made friends for life and learnt so much at each session. It has been an honour and a privilege to be part of.”
The NSA Next Generation Ambassador programme is now in its eighth year, having passed on valuable experience and knowledge to more than 80 of the UK’s finest young sheep farmers. It is an important part of NSA’s wider Next Generation initiative; a dedicated area of work designed to encourage and support sheep farmers and service providers of the future.
NSA Communications Manager Katie James, who helped coordinate the programme this year, says: “A special thank you goes to all of the farmers and industry representatives that have had some involvement with the programme this year. It has been a pleasure to see the group’s development since they first came together at the start of the year.
“The group is full of forward-thinking and knowledgeable young sheep farmers who we now hope continue their NSA journey by becoming active members in their regions. Alongside NSA Chairman Dan Phipps I was pleased to share my congratulations to the group last week and wish them the very best for the future.”
As the Ambassador programme now runs as part of the initiative’s biennial programme of activities, NSA is now commencing plans for the 2023 NSA Next Generation calendar of events, these will include interactive summer workshops, competitions and more.
For more information on the NSA Next Generation programme visit the NSA Next Generation website.
