NSA Next Generation: Nutrition, lambing & livestock management workshop

NSA Next Generation hosts pre-lambing workshop for upland farmers

On Wednesday 10th December, NSA Next Generation held an interactive workshop at SRUC’s Auchtertyre Farm in Crianlarich, offering young and progressive sheep farmers valuable insight into the practical realities of upland flock management in Scotland. The dramatic upland setting provided an ideal backdrop for discussing the unique challenges faced by hill and upland enterprises, particularly through pregnancy and lambing.

Participants explored key aspects of ewe management, including the importance of appropriate nutrition during gestation and how forage analysis can support informed decision-making. The programme also covered the latest approaches to lamb castration, naval hygiene and the role of effective vaccination protocols in safeguarding flock health.

NSA Next Generation Event organiser Anna Wilson highlighted the value of tailored, practical learning for the next generation of sheep farmers.

“This workshop was a great demonstration of how sheep farming differs in extreme locations like the highlands of Scotland,” she said. “Tailoring information to individual enterprises is what NSA does best, ensuring everyone leaves with knowledge they can apply at home rather than listening to a lecture that doesn't fit their system. It is important that sheep farmers come together to discuss challenges and share solutions. There is always someone who has either gone through, or is going through, a similar situation. It is important for UK sheep farmers to collaborate in order to succeed.”

NSA Next Generation extends sincere thanks to Ann McLaren (SRUC), Lynn Gibson (SRUC), Lorna Shaw (SAC Consulting) and Bryan Hamilton (NoBacz) for their expertise and support in delivering this valuable workshop.