What to look out for at the NSA Sheep Event 2018

With the agricultural industry, particularly the sheep sector, at a crossroads, the National Sheep Association’s leading event, NSA Sheep 2018, will focus on “thriving in an uncertain future”.

The event, which is being held on Wednesday, 18 July at Three Counties Showground, will showcase the very best of the industry and provide knowledge and information for producers looking to fine-tune their sheep enterprise.

Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, explains: “Uncertainty around support payments and market opportunities in a post-Brexit world remain a huge concern for the sheep sector, and as a result, producers are being encouraged to grab every opportunity available.”

See also: The farm diversification which trains dogs to stop sheep worrying

“We’ll be joined by leading sheep industry experts, along with more than 250 trade stands, and there’s a packed programme of free technical seminars, demonstrations and workshops being held to provide information and support in preparation for the changes that are undoubtedly on the horizon.”

Speaking at one of the day’s seminars is Defra’s Robin Manning. He says: “With the UK’s departure from the EU next March, it’s good to take stock of what we in the UK will need to do to establish ourselves as an independent trading nation determining its own agricultural policies.

“On behalf of Defra’s farming team, I aim to explain what Defra is doing to prepare for Brexit and for life after Brexit, with particular emphasis on the sheep sector.”

Farmers Weekly Farmer Focus writer and Hertfordshire sheep breeder Rob Hodgkins will also be on hand to explain how he has used technology to optimise breed performance.

“We’re facing uncertainty as a sector, and always appear to be one step behind other parts of the industry when it comes to using information on farm. However, there are numerous cost-effective adaptations that farmers can use to help produce lamb more efficiently, which I aim to outline at the event.”

Farm tours

Following its success two years ago, the NSA will again also be running farm tours the day before the event (Tuesday, 17 July), which will include visits to two leading sheep farms.

“The farm tours proved a popular addition to the event in 2016 and we have two excellent farms involved this year. It provides an opportunity to showcase what’s possible on ‘real-life’ sheep farms and demonstrates that innovations aren’t just for farm trials,” says Mr Stocker.

Sam Jones and Paulha Whitaker will be hosting the tours and will provide an insight into how they’re future-proofing their businesses.

Mr Jones runs 1,200 ewes at his 205ha farm in Redditch. He reduced ewe numbers from 2,000 10 years ago, allowing attention to detail in areas such as lameness control, lambing management and reduced antibiotics use.

Clear business goals and a frequent review of targets have allowed him to achieve 5% gains in profitability across all parts of the farm business.

Paulha and Martin Whitaker farm a 225ha organic tenant farm in Gloucestershire. They run 370 ewes comprising mainly Mules. In the 2017-18 season they introduced Vendeen genetics to produce hardy progeny that kill out well and they are focusing on increasing margins.