The National Sheep Association (NSA) is excited to announce that bookings are now open for young sheep farmers to sign up for a range of two-day workshops throughout the UK.
The NSA is committed to supporting the future of the UK sheep industry through young people and for several years has been active in offering events and competitions for young shepherds through its Next Generation programme.
As a further development of this programme, new for 2019, the NSA is holding a series of five two-day workshops.
The workshops will allow attendees to hear from industry experts, tour selected sheep farms and network with like-minded young sheep enthusiasts, taking home ideas and inspiration to implement in their own business.Helping to coordinate the programme of workshops, NSA communications officer Katie James said: “For the past five years NSA Next Generation has successfully offered career and personal development to an annual group of NSA Next Generation Ambassadors.
“This programme has demonstrated the drive and enthusiasm of young people to make a successful career from sheep farming and we are now keen to provide the opportunity of such a valuable experience to an increased number of young farmers.
Our five, two-day workshops will include talks and advice from some key names in the industry, including leading sheep vets and consultants, and leading research and supply chain companies.
“Each workshop includes an overnight stay, providing a great opportunity for socialising with fellow young shepherds, as well as some excellent farm visits.
“We really hope this attractive combination will appeal to next-generation farmers looking for some career development.”
Workshops
The five residential workshops will take place in different locations and offer a different theme, meaning interested attendees can join NSA for more than one training event should they choose.
The events are:
- Grassland management – Tuesday, July 2 to Wednesday, July 3, Greenmount College, Northern Ireland;
- Flock health – Tuesday, August 6 to Wednesday, August 7, Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, Gloucestershire;
- The sheepmeat supply chain – Monday, August 19 to Tuesday, August 20, Swansea University, South Wales;
- Getting started in the sheep industry – Tuesday, September 17 to Wednesday, September 18, Lee Wood Hotel, Buxton, Derbyshire;
- Effective lamb production – Thursday, September 26 to Friday, September 27, Barony Castle Hotel, Peebles, Scottish Borders.
The NSA has subsidised the cost of hosting the events hoping to allow an increased number of people to attend.
The cost of the workshops will range from £70 to £110 each with a reduced rate available for NSA members.
James added: “All at NSA are very excited to launch the new residential workshops and we do hope that the variety of topics and locations will attract a good number of young shepherds to enjoy a great few days whilst benefiting from some top class advice and guidance.”
Further details and an online booking form can be found on the NSA website.
