NSA Sheep Event 2024

NSA Sheep Event 2024 delights visitors with attractions, competitions, Defra Ministers and more.

NSA Sheep Event 2024 drew crowds from across the UK to enjoy a fantastic day out at the Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire on Tuesday. 

Focussing on a sustainable future for the sector, the Association’s flagship event attracted prominent names from industry to lead seminar discussions including new Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner who joined Phil Stocker ‘in conversation’ for the NSA Breakfast Club Live.

With questions asked of the future of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), food security and the threat to upland sheep production, the seminar provided much for both the audience and the Minister himself to take away for further thought.

Workshops providing practical advice on issues from parasite prevention to grassland management, talks and demonstrations including a popular ‘agri-influencer’ forum and a cookery theatre were also popular features at the showcase event.

As crowds enjoyed the opportunity to speak with more than 250 agricultural trade stands many competitions took place around the showground, the centrepiece of these being the finals of the NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the year competition.

Having qualified at NSA regional heats, 18 competitors were put through their paces in six shepherding challenges in the contest that is sponsored by the Texel Sheep Society. Scoring the most points across the board and taking the prestigious title plus £1,000 prize money was 22-year-old Tom Garlick from Herefordshire.

Close behind on the scoresheet was 24-year-old Michael Hogg from Tyne & Wear in second place and 25-year-old James White from Derbyshire in third place. Taking first prize for the highest placed under 21 competitor was 20-year-old Ben Edwards from Herefordshire.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “What a fantastic day we all had at NSA Sheep Event! Thanks go to all involved in the organisation of such a valued industry event and to the event sponsors and exhibitors who of course help to make the event an essential date in the diary of the nation’s sheep farmers.”

For more information including a full list of competition results visit the NSA website here.