NSA Sheep South West 2023

Enthusiasm for NSA Sheep South West impervious to wet conditions

Fears created by relentless rain in the run-up to the event quickly diminished when the crowds descended on Peterhayes Farm, Yarcombe, Devon, for the long awaited return of NSA Sheep South West.

Event host Peter Derryman and his family of four generations welcomed visitors to the event alongside NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker. They both highlighted the role of farms in shaping areas of outstanding natural ‘farmed’ beauty, such as that viewed on the popular farm tour on the day. Mr Derryman also paid tribute to his late mother who was sadly missed from the event following her passing earlier in the year.

Hard work by the Derryman family and event organising committee in preparing for the event, the first in four years, was clearly appreciated by attendees. They were able to view more than 100 trade and breed society stands, watch demonstrations and join engaging discussion in the event’s seminar area.

Topics on the agenda included guidance on the new Defra Animal Health & Welfare Pathway, information on precision grazing and a discussion on newer ways of breeding rams. A hot topic prompting many questions was that updating on the new procedure for veterinary attestations to be introduced from December this year.

Unsurprisingly a highlight of the day for many visitors was the opportunity to view the Derryman family’s top class flocks of Hampshire, Romney and Suffolk sheep. Despite the sodden ground, the tractor and trailer rides were able to traverse the mud to give visitors the enjoyable farm tours.

The NSA Next Generation Shepherd competition saw eager young sheep farmers compete for the regional title and chance to qualify for the national final in 2024. Emerging as the victor was 18-year-old Will Land from Exmoor. He farms Hampshire Downs with his family and is a student at Cannington College, Bridgwater, Somerset.

Mr Stocker enjoyed being back at an NSA regional event. He comments: “Despite difficult conditions spirits were clearly not dampened with a buoyant atmosphere and everyone able to enjoy the day. Thanks must go to all involved in the event’s successful organisation and execution.”

Bringing the busy day to a close was the popular sheepdog sale with a dog bred by Mr Edwards and sold to Mr P. Ley for £2,000 the highlight of this final feature.

At the end of a busy day Mr Derryman said: “It has been fantastic. After all the worries concerning the conditions we are all so pleased with how the event went. The ground will quickly recover but I’m sure people will remember the good day they have had for a long time.”