The National Sheep Association (NSA) has announced plans to run a two-day virtual event after its headquarters’ 40th-anniversary celebrations had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ‘Virtual celebration of sheep farming’ will include a series of online seminars and workshops, interactive videos from trade and breed society stands, competitions and more.
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “Of course, all at NSA were incredibly disappointed to cancel our flagship event this summer. But as work progresses on bringing a new, exciting, virtual event to our members our team at head office as well as the extended NSA organisation is excited to see how our members and others will engage with our series of virtual events.”
The webinar series will kick off with ‘Breeding the best’ on August 12 and 13; a theme that will allow NSA affiliated breed societies the opportunity to share information at a time when many farmers will be considering their plans for the upcoming breeding season.
Webinars will be open to everyone, with registration available both in advance and on the two days of the events.
Competitions
Competitions will include a fleece competition managed by long-standing NSA supporters, British Wool; a photography competition; carcase competition, sponsored by meat processors Mutchmeats; and breed society stand contests.
NSA Sheep Event organiser Helen Roberts said: “We have been so pleased to receive continued support from our exhibitors and breed societies ahead of the first August event.
The NSA Sheep Event is seen as a business to business event, offering sheep farmers the opportunity to visit a show that is completely focussed on sheep and shepherding.
“This will not be forgotten at our virtual event with our overall aim to provide the countries sheep farmers with advice that can really help with the development of their flocks – whether that is in the form of a webinar or through a trade stand exhibitor launching and demonstrating a new innovative product.”
