NSA cancels 2021 regional events due to coronavirus
© Tim Scrivener The National Sheep Association (NSA) has cancelled its 2021 regional events due to ongoing uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The popular summer events in Wales, northern England, the South West and Northern Ireland will now return in 2023, in line with the NSA’s biennial calendar.
See also: Mixed prospects for agriculture shows during 2021
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said it was disappointing to have to cancel the events, which were due to be held in May, June and July.
Organisers of NSA Scot Sheep, also due to be held this year, have already cancelled the event, which will now take place in 2022 in Dundee.
Mr Stocker said: “We recognise these events provide opportunity for the sheep farming community to come together for a valuable day of knowledge exchange, a chance to view new and innovative products and to enjoy an opportunity to catch up with friends.
“But the ongoing risk and uncertainty surrounding large events have unfortunately meant that the difficult, but what we consider responsible, decision to postpone them had to be made.”
New dates for NSA events
- NSA Scot Sheep – Wednesday 1 June 2022, Dundee
- NSA Sheep Event – Wednesday 27 July 2022, Worcestershire
- NSA Welsh Sheep – Tuesday 16 May 2023, Powys
- NSA North Sheep – Wednesday 7 June 2023, Northumberland
- NSA Sheep South West – Tuesday 20 June 2023, Dorset
- NSA Sheep Northern Ireland – date TBC in July 2023, County Armagh
The NSA said it was now focused on making sure events planned for 2022 and 2023 are able to return safely.
The event postponements do not include NSA annual ram sales – all five of which will be held later in the year.
These are the NSA Wales & Border Ram Sales (August and September), NSA South West Ram Sale (August), and NSA Eastern Region Ram Sales (August and September).