Free NSA event to support next generation of sheep farmers
2nd June 2015
Following the success of last year's event, the NSA Eastern Region will hold a second NSA Youthful Shepherds Event at Rutland Yard, Newmarket, Suffolk, on Saturday 6th June 2015, by kind permission of the Darley Stud Management Co, from 11am.
The event, which is free to members and non-members, encourages anyone interested in entering sheep farming, or in the early stage of their career, to come along and benefit from a wealth of information and knowledge.
Jonathan Barber, NSA Eastern Region Manager, says, “We know from the NSA Next Generation Programme that there are a huge number of young people interested in pursuing a career in the sheep sector. This event is held specifically to encourage those individuals to speak to people already working in the sheep sector, to discuss their career options, be it as a flock master, employed shepherd, self-employed contract shepherd or another ancillary service.
“There will also be practical demonstrations for people to hone their existing skills or develop new ones, including sheep handling, show and sale preparation, sheep tagging and reading, sheepdog handling and shearing,” he adds.
The event is hosted by the Darley Stud, which runs a large flock of North of England Mules alongside some of the most impressive racehorses in the world. With a farm walk included, it will allow visitors to take in the extensive equine enterprise, as well as talk to Dan Phipps, who runs the sheep in this interesting set-up and with a keen eye on pasture management. There are a number of industry leaders and influencers expected to attend, providing visitors with an unique opportunity to gain information and advice, and have your says on what additional activity NSA could do to support the next generation further still.
“It’s also a great opportunity for young people in the sheep sector and new entrants to see what NSA membership has to offer. With weekly email updates including vital industry information and job alerts, the NSA is really well placed to support the next generation as they start out in their agricultural careers.
“It’s an informal day, with some fun competitions that finishes with a BBQ, and I reiterate that everyone is welcome,” concludes Mr Barber.
The day will also include an NSA Young Shepherd of the Year competition, which will act as a qualifier for the national final at NSA Sheep Event in July 2016.
For more information on the NSA Youthful Shepherds event, please contact Mr Barber on 01953 607860 or download an event guide at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/events.
Notes to Editors
- For more information contact NSA Eastern Region Manager Jonathan Barber on 01953 607860 or jonathan@ceressolutions.co.uk . Alternatively, contact NSA Communications Manager Joanne Briggs on 07807 237982 or joanne@nationalsheep.org.uk.
- The National Sheep Association is an organisation that represents the views and interests of sheep producers throughout the UK. It is funded by its membership of sheep farmers and its activities involve it in every aspect of the sheep industry. More at www.nationalsheep.org.uk and www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk.
