NSA South West Region farm walk and industry discussion

On Wednesday afternoon, a large crowd NSA members and non-members were treated to a great farm walk courtesy of incoming NSA South West Region Chairman Jonathan Stephens and family.

Over 120 participants took to trailers for a tour of Swannaton Farm, viewing both the cattle and sheep enterprises. Jonathan and Jim gave a great commentary highlighting how their focus on production off grass and a keen eye for detail is paying dividends.

Jonathan was keen to point out that the underlying farm business needs to be set up right to ensure profitability and sustainability, particularly with the uncertainty over farm support money.

Following the tour, participants took part in a discussion around short to medium term prospects for the sheep industry. Many thanks to Tess Howe from AHDB, Russell Steer from Kivells, Leighton Jones from Kepak, and NSA’s Kevin Harrison for fielding a wide selection of questions from how to encourage the next generation of sheep farmers through to the potential loss of livestock in the uplands.

Thanks also goes to Kepak and Mole Valley Farmers for providing the burgers and refreshments and to the four local farmers who drove tractors and trailers on the tour. Finally, many thanks to Jonathan, Jim, Gemma and Karen for organising such a great afternoon.