The National Sheep Association (NSA) has announced plans to host five impressive two-day workshops to include the reach of its summer education programmes.
The association is running the workshops to support the future of the UK sheep industry through young people. It also offers competitions for young shepherds through its Next Generation programme.
The workshops will allow attendees to hear from industry experts, tour selected sheep farms and network with like-minded young sheep enthusiasts, and take home ideas for their own businesses.
Helping to coordinate the programme of workshops, NSA communications officer Katie James said: “Our five two-day workshops will include talks and advice from some key names in the industry, including leading sheep vets Fiona Lovatt and Phillipa Page and consultant Lesley Stubbings as well as 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.”
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 – July 29-30, Greenmount College, Northern Ireland;
- Flock health and responsible medicine use – August 6-7, Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, Gloucestershire;
- The sheepmeat supply chain – August 19-20, Swansea University, South Wales;
- Getting started in the sheep industry – September 17-18, Lee Wood Hotel, Buxton, Derbyshire;
- Profitable lamb production – September 26-27, 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. A reduced rate is available for NSA members.
Ms. James added: “All at the 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.
