The Day NSA Scotsheep Should Have Been! Webinar
28th May 2021
Thursday 27th May 2021 seen the day NSA Scotsheep should have been.
Accompanying various social media posts and Facebook stories was a dedicated webinar held by NSA Scotland to mark the day. "Whit’s fur ye’ll no go by ye! - The challenge of establishing and future proofing sheep farming in Scotland” seen NSA Scotland Chair Jen Craig host the evening with panel members consisting of NSA Scottish Region Coordinator Grace Reid, NSA Scotsheep Hosts Robert and Hazel Mc Nee and Brian Richardson, UK Head of Agriculture, CYBG Plc.
Attendees heard how Robert and Hazel established a fully functional farming business and why their current set up works in terms of the type and breed of animals.
Brian provided very interesting discussion points around Brexit and new agricultural policy whereby he explained the importance of food in the UK; trade deals; Covid recovery and also the climate change debate. Concerns around change were raised with the recognition that Scotland may have to react more quickly in comparison with English and Welsh policy. Despite sheep prices remaining high throughout 2020 and 2021, it was made clear that it is the longer term in which our farmers have to remain resilient. Regarding net zero achievement and climate change, carbon audits and a variety of benchmarking tools were discussed alongside the importance of ensuring the correct types of funding.
Grace provided an update on all things NSA Scottish region and some exciting new communications via a monthly Chairman’s blog and policy update which will both be distributed in early June. NSA Scotland members will also be able to look forward to an online bulletin update which is scheduled to be released in the late summer.
NSA Scotland would like to thank all attendees and speakers for their time and hope to see them in person at the next NSA Scotsheep: Wednesday 1st June 2022 by kind permission of Robert and Hazel McNee, Over Finlarg, Tealing, Dundee.
