About the National Sheep Association
NSA represents the views and interests of sheep producers across the UK.
NSA is the only organisation that is entirely focused on the success of the UK sheep industry. It has a long and rich history and is recognised and respected by policy makers and the farming industry.
Its vision is a thriving sheep sector, where those involved in sheep farming are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and committed to best practice, and where the wider public increasingly recognises the vital contribution sheep make to society.
Membership underpins everything NSA does. Each member strengthens its mandate and increases influence when representing the sector to government and decision makers.
NSA is funded by its membership of sheep farmers and its activities involve it in every aspect of the sheep industry. Areas of activity include:
- Promoting the positive contribution of sheep farming and associated industries to the economy, environment, culture and society.
- Informing policy decisions through consultation and by working with Defra, other Government departments, non-governmental organisations and industry bodies.
- Active involvement in cross-industry groups covering, but not limited to, trade, production, health and welfare, traceability, and disease control and response.
- Producing and promoting industry advice for best practice, high animal welfare and sustainability.
- Communicating directly with farmers on important issues for the sector.
- Ensuring the needs of grassroots farmers are represented in research and development work, and practical outcomes are communicated.
- Organising a range of events to facilitate connections and knowledge transfer within the industry, including the industry-leading NSA Sheep Events.
- Organising multi-breed ram sales, offering vendors and purchasers a platform to buy and sell independently inspected stock.
- Supporting members through a range of practical initiatives, including the NSA Legal Helpline and NSA Lambing List.
- Supporting the future of the sheep industry through the NSA Next Generation initiative.
NSA works to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for the UK sheep industry. It supports best practice in sheep farming and promotes the economic, environmental and social value of sheep, from food and fibre production to land management and strong rural communities.
Given NSA’s strong belief that sheep should be recognised for their holistic contribution to society - providing meat, milk, fibre, land management and thriving rural economies - the NSA vision can be brought to life under the heading of economics, health, environment and society.
Download the NSA Vision for more detail on this.
