THE 2022 cohort of National Sheep Association (NSA)
Next Generation Ambassa-dors were informed and inspired at their latest personal and professional delivery session this week.
Coming together for the second time since being chosen as Ambassadors for NSA, the group of young sheep farmers took part in visits and heard from industry experts covering several key topics relating to the UK sheep industry supply chain.
NSA Communications Manager Katie James, who coordinates NSA
Next Generation activity, com-mented: “Coming back together again having spent a busy few months lambing, the group quickly returned to making the most of the opportunity the Ambassador programme offers them, getting fully immersed in the farm and industry visits.
“This was a varied and fascinating few days and, as always, the group demonstrated real enthusiasm and interest for all aspects involved with it.”
The focus of this session was the UK sheep supply chain. The group visited forward-thinking farms to
hear about their systems and selling options, whether through markets, contracts with processors or direct to the consumer; they completed a fascinating marketing best practice training session with AHDB and Farmers Fresh that covered the selection of stock for slaughter through to the ready to sell product and visited British Wool to discuss options for wool sales.
“The group also heard from Signet breeding how recorded genetics can promote the sale of breeding stock from farm.
Ed Brant, Lincolnshire sheep farmer and NSA Next Generation Ambassador said: “The whole group
have enjoyed an absolutely great few days.
“I feel I have learned so much and taken away lots that I am now eager to consider back home on the farm. We are all looking forward to meeting up again!”
Mrs James continued: “Our thanks
go to all of the farmers and speakers that gave their time to pass on advice and information to the grateful Ambassadors. This includes Marc Jones of Trefnant Hall Farm, the Signet breeding team, Steve Powdrill and Carl Pendlebury from AHDB, Terry Bayliss and Farmers Fresh, Wrexham, Gareth Jones and British Wool, Newtown and the Timmis family from Moor Farm Shop, Shrewsbury.”
The group will now come together again in July for a session that will include NSA Sheep Event at the Three Counties Showground on Wednesday, July 27.
The NSA Next Generation Am-bassador programme is aimed at young individuals, aged 18-34, involved in the sheep sector who wish to expand and develop their knowledge. This is the seventh year an Ambassador group has been selected since its launch in 2014, and forms one part of NSA’s work under its Next Generation banner, which is dedicated to encouraging and supporting the sheep farmers and service providers of the future. NSA is proud to have supported more than 80 young sheep farmers through the programme.
More details on members of the 2022 NSA Next Generation Ambassador group at www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk via the ‘Ambassador Group’ tab, where profiles on each individual are listed.
The NSA Next Generation Am-bassador programme is funded by NSA regions and ram sales, alongside support from AHDB Beef & Lamb, British Wool and several other delivery partners.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
