Seminars aim to add value on-farm at this year’s NSA Sheep Event

At this year’s NSA Sheep Event, held on Wednesday 27th July at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, there will be four topical seminars providing tips and advice for adding value on UK sheep farms.

Considering the current pressures of a volatile market, and the result of a much anticipated EU referendum, NSA aims to provide practical advice on ways to maximise efficiency, helping to ensure a sustainable future for the sheep industry.

The first seminar of the day will be ‘Adding value by understanding the role of sheep in upland and marginal areas’ which will launch a new and revised NSA report on the ‘Complementary role of sheep in upland and hill areas’.

Phil Stoker, NSA Chief Executive, explains: “The report raises awareness of the importance of maintaining a viable sheep industry and highlights the many unvalued benefits of sheep production, particularly in upland areas where food production, environmental management and isolated rural communities all rely on this vital sector.”

Following this will be ‘The Single Farm Payment: Adding value or undermining our industry?’ Mr Stocker continues: “Regardless of the decision of the upcoming EU referendum, continued funding for the future of the Basic Payment Scheme is uncertain, so this seminar will debate its future and make predictions for the sheep industry.”

Farmers will be speaking both in support and against UK farmers receiving payments in the future.

Next up, the seminar programme continues with, ‘Adding value by maximising the marketplace’, which aims to highlight the many different ways in which farmers can maximise profits.

The final session, ‘Adding value and maximising output by optimising flock health’ will hear from two different teams of farmers and vets. They will be showcasing the potential benefits that can be achieved for a sheep business where there is a close working relationship between vet and farmer.

Mr Stocker explains: “It’s time to bust the myth that vets don’t have a role to play on sheep farms and look instead at ways they can optimise performance and add value on-farm.”

Mr Stocker concludes: “We’re thrilled to have such an exciting line-up of seminars this year.  We’re dedicated to offering educational support for farmers and providing opportunity for improvements in the sheep industry long term.”

Entrance to the event is free for members this year, visit www.sheepevent.org.uk for more information.

-ends-

Notes to Editors:

The NSA Sheep Event is a biennial event, organised by the National Sheep Association and held at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, on Wednesday 27th July 2016.

Issued by: Hannah Lloyd, Pinstone Communications, T: 01568 617 627 E: [email protected]  

Further event information: Helen Davies, NSA Sheep Event Organiser, T: 01691 654712 M: 07976 803066, E: [email protected] W: www.sheepevent.org.uk

If you are interested to be informed about press attendance nearer the event, please get in touch with Pinstone.