Sheep health and genetics focus for NSA Next Generation group
16th February 2018
12 innovative and enthusiastic NSA Next Generation Ambassadors came together for their first three-day delivery session this week, forming a basis of skills to take home and drive forward their own businesses and the wider sheep sector.
The NSA Next Generation Ambassador programme is aimed at young individuals, aged 20-34, involved in the sheep sector who wish to expand and develop their knowledge. This is the fifth year an Ambassador group has been selected since its launch in 2014, and forms one part of NSA’s work under its Next Generation banner which is dedicated to encouraging and supporting the sheep farmers and service providers of the future.
Hannah Park, NSA Communications Officer, says: “We had a fantastic first session this week with this year’s group, an impressive calibre of individuals who are all so passionate about what they do. Our initial session gave the Ambassador’s the opportunity to get to know each other and provided a platform to learn what similarities and differences run through the group, in the routes each took into the sheep sector and how they manage their flocks.”
“Sessions on sheep health and genetics followed, involving a look at practical performance recording, EBVs, flock health planning and sustainable parasite control, among others, delivered by AHDB Beef and Lamb and Phillipa Page, specialist sheep vet with Flock Health. With the wealth of questions which ensued, Ambassadors will return home armed with information and contacts to apply to their own sheep farming enterprises.”
Ambassadors are selected from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland meaning the programme provides an ideal opportunity for individuals to network among like-minded individuals to share and discuss ideas and experiences. Two farm visits also formed part of the this weeks session, held Monday 12th – Wednesday 14th February, in Swallowcliffe, Sailsbury and North Stoke, Bath.
Hannah continues: “Martyn Fletcher, NSA South East Region Committee Member, kindly hosted our first visit. Martyn is a shepherd for Perin and Sonja Dineley and runs a low-input flock of mainly Romneys across a New Zealand style system. His honest and frank approach was welcomed by the group, who were able to look around his impressive handling facilities and equipment.
“We finished the session with a visit to Kevin Harrison, NSA English Committee Chairman, who is Farm Manager for JT Baylis Ltd. Kevin’s impressive indoor lambing set-up provided a platform for a good discussion among the group, particularly around his focus on not buying in disease when he sources replacements each year.”
The second of five NSA Next Generation Ambassador delivery sessions this year will take place in May. Get to know each member of the 2018 group at www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk via the ‘Ambassador Group’ tab, where profile on each individual is listed.
The NSA Next Generation Ambassador programme is funded by NSA regions and ram sales, alongside support from AHDB Beef & Lamb and several other delivery partners.
