Hands-on ‘Field Days’ pass latest technical knowledge to sheep farmers in South East England
20th June 2022
Under scorching June sunshine, the South East Region of the National Sheep Association (NSA) held a new style event last week offering sheep farmers the chance to take part in an insightful hands-on knowledge exchange day.
Over three consecutive days at three separate farm locations, in Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Kent, the ‘Field days’ brought together farmers and members of the supply trade for a series of four interactive demonstrations put on by major event sponsors Bimeda, Elanco, MSD and Rappa with Datamars Livestock.
All training sessions at the event focussed on the health and well-being of sheep flocks, incorporating the latest technologies and demonstrating best practice. With the emphasis placed on the participation, the interactive nature of the days used sheep from each of the host farms in live demonstrations.
NSA South East Region Chairman Yann Le Du explains: ' The interactive nature of the ‘Field Days’ was well-received by all those involved, from the major sponsors to the allied trades and most importantly by the farmer participants. It is a format that NSA South East Region will now look to build on for future events, looking to apply it to a range of different subject matters. We would like to thank all those involved throughout the planning and running of these events.”
With attendees split into four smaller groups to allow maximum discussion and participation the groups rotated around four training demonstrations delivered by event sponsors. Topics covered included the safe and effective treatment of sheep scab, blowfly control, sheep handling and data collection systems, and practical tips to get the most from sheep vaccination.
David Mead, Southern Regional Sales Manager from sponsor Bimeda Ltd says: “The recent Field Days were a resounding success. Well organised and attended they enabled us to spend quality time discussing the current situation regarding scab and it’s treatment including the demonstration of the most modern mobile dipping units.”
Andrew Cowan, General Manager with sponsor Rappa adds: “Interaction was the aim for us at Rappa by attending and supporting the events. It certainly gave us a very wide perspective and something to learn for everyone, with the opportunity for us to demonstrate new equipment on active sheep, showing how easily it works and how it could benefit those attending.”
Further events planned will be shared on the events page of the NSA website. For dates and information on upcoming events across all of NSA’s nine regions visit www.nationalsheep.org.uk/events.
