Calum Phillips 22 Aberdeenshire
Calum’s impressive application was matched by an energetic and knowledgeable interview. Having travelled extensively during the summer months shearing, he has built a strong understanding of different systems and isn’t afraid of hard work. Now keen to expand and improve the family enterprise, Calum is motivated by challenge and opportunity. He has focused on utilising technology on farm, reducing the cost of production and has invested in performance recorded tups to improve breeding. He is looking forward to meeting people with fresh and new ideas. He explains: “I want to expand the sheep enterprise at home, improve profitability and learn from people pushing their businesses forward.”
June 2026
Shearing is now in full swing and it’s hard to find time to do any of the many other jobs on our family farm near Aberdeen. I contract shear all over the region which is keeping me busy but I’m really enjoying it.
I’ve recently returned from the second session of the NSA Next Generation Ambassadors programme in
Devon, which I thoroughly enjoyed and got a huge amount out of. One of the most interesting parts for me was learning about the logistics behind running a feed mill. I found it fascinating to see how raw materials are brought in by sea and then distributed across the busy roads of Devon and Cornwall. It must be a nightmare in the popular tourist areas. The visit gave me a real appreciation for the amount of planning and organisation involved behind the scenes in the industry.
The Ambassador programme has already given me the chance to meet some great people from across
the sheep sector and I’ve made friendships that I know I’ll stay in touch with in the future. It’s been brilliant to spend time with other young people who are equally passionate about the industry.
I’m now looking forward to catching up with everyone again at NSA Sheep Event later in the year.
Calum’s impressive application was matched by an energetic and knowledgeable interview. Having travelled extensively during the summer months shearing, he has built a strong understanding of different systems and isn’t afraid of hard work. Now keen to expand and improve the family enterprise, Calum is motivated by challenge and opportunity. He has focused on utilising technology on farm, reducing the cost of production and has invested in performance recorded tups to improve breeding. He is looking forward to meeting people with fresh and new ideas. He explains: “I want to expand the sheep enterprise at home, improve profitability and learn from people pushing their businesses forward.”
June 2026
Shearing is now in full swing and it’s hard to find time to do any of the many other jobs on our family farm near Aberdeen. I contract shear all over the region which is keeping me busy but I’m really enjoying it.
I’ve recently returned from the second session of the NSA Next Generation Ambassadors programme in
Devon, which I thoroughly enjoyed and got a huge amount out of. One of the most interesting parts for me was learning about the logistics behind running a feed mill. I found it fascinating to see how raw materials are brought in by sea and then distributed across the busy roads of Devon and Cornwall. It must be a nightmare in the popular tourist areas. The visit gave me a real appreciation for the amount of planning and organisation involved behind the scenes in the industry.
The Ambassador programme has already given me the chance to meet some great people from across
the sheep sector and I’ve made friendships that I know I’ll stay in touch with in the future. It’s been brilliant to spend time with other young people who are equally passionate about the industry.
I’m now looking forward to catching up with everyone again at NSA Sheep Event later in the year.
