NSA looks forward to helping UK sheep farmers into a new era

There may be incredible uncertainty facing the UK sheep industry at the current time, but with only a year to go until NSA Sheep 2020, the National Sheep Association (NSA) is planning an event that will be more important than ever in terms of focusing on how sheep farmers can be the best they can be.

Worries about the future export market and impending changes to farm support have been well documented in recent weeks and months, and NSA remains concerned our departure from the EU will cause significant challenge to UK sheep farmers.

But that means NSA Sheep 2020, taking place a year from now on Tuesday 28^th July 2020 in Malvern, Worcestershire, is the perfect opportunity for sheep farmers to come together to react to the changes that we will then surely be better informed of, helping UK sheep farmers arm themselves with knowledge to adapt and move their farms forward as needed.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker comments: “It is difficult to predict the shape of our sheep industry this time next year. Our departure from the EU may be accompanied by changes that are difficult, and that as an industry we do not like, but we must look forward to the future whatever that might bring and our NSA Sheep Event 2020 will provide a valuable opportunity to do just that.

“The event’s informative seminars, workshops and demonstrations will be planned in reaction to our non-EU status, be that via an orderly exit or a no-deal situation, and the likely changes that will have been brought upon us meaning we are able to offer sheep farmers visiting the event the chance to get some real solutions to the challenges they may be faced with.”

As well as providing useful information and ideas at a vital time, the event will also once again play host to the final of the NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year competition, a popular sheepdog display and sale, and as a leading business to business event feature a large number of sheep breed societies and trade stands.

Mr Stocker concludes: “I am sure those involved in the sheep industry will choose to add the date of Tuesday 28^th July 2020 to their diaries and join us for what we are confident will be another successful event. It may come at an uncertain time but NSA, as ever, will strive to represent the industry and support its sheep farmers to help their businesses place themselves in the best possible position to survive the potential turbulent times ahead and move forward to a successful future.”