James Nairey 25 Lancashire
The family’s Pedigree Texel flock was once among the largest in the UK and he is the third generation to share a passion for the breed. With recent circumstances prompting him to explore new directions, the panel felt the ambassador programme would be particularly valuable at this stage. Alongside farming, James has taken on leadership roles as Chair of his local YFC and Vice Chair of the region.
He has ambition to be a proactive leader and advocate for the industry. He comments: “Being involved in the family farm and other farming organisations has shown me the importance of innovation, collaboration and strong leadership to sustain and grow the sheep industry.”
June 2026
With lambing now becoming a distant memory, the pace around the farm has settled back into a more familiar routine and attention has turned towards the months ahead.
As I write this, I have just returned from the second ambassador session and it was great to meet up with fellow ambassadors again.
One of the most interesting parts of the session to me was our visit to Moortown Farm, where we learned about the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group and the work being carried out to balance farming, conservation and land management across the moor. It was also great to meet Phil Stocker and hear his thoughts on the future of the sheep industry and upland farming. An added bonus at Moortown was they had Texels for me to look at as well!
Back on the farm, our focus has shifted towards making the most of the limited grass available throughout the summer months. Careful grazing management will be essential this year, with paddocks monitored closely to maintain growth and ensure stock continue to perform well during the drier periods.
Alongside grass management, preparations are already underway for the upcoming shearling tup and gimmer sales later in the year. The shearlings are being assessed regularly, with attention given to growth, structure and overall condition to ensure they are presented at their very best when sale time arrives.
The family’s Pedigree Texel flock was once among the largest in the UK and he is the third generation to share a passion for the breed. With recent circumstances prompting him to explore new directions, the panel felt the ambassador programme would be particularly valuable at this stage. Alongside farming, James has taken on leadership roles as Chair of his local YFC and Vice Chair of the region.
He has ambition to be a proactive leader and advocate for the industry. He comments: “Being involved in the family farm and other farming organisations has shown me the importance of innovation, collaboration and strong leadership to sustain and grow the sheep industry.”
June 2026
With lambing now becoming a distant memory, the pace around the farm has settled back into a more familiar routine and attention has turned towards the months ahead.
As I write this, I have just returned from the second ambassador session and it was great to meet up with fellow ambassadors again.
One of the most interesting parts of the session to me was our visit to Moortown Farm, where we learned about the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group and the work being carried out to balance farming, conservation and land management across the moor. It was also great to meet Phil Stocker and hear his thoughts on the future of the sheep industry and upland farming. An added bonus at Moortown was they had Texels for me to look at as well!
Back on the farm, our focus has shifted towards making the most of the limited grass available throughout the summer months. Careful grazing management will be essential this year, with paddocks monitored closely to maintain growth and ensure stock continue to perform well during the drier periods.
Alongside grass management, preparations are already underway for the upcoming shearling tup and gimmer sales later in the year. The shearlings are being assessed regularly, with attention given to growth, structure and overall condition to ensure they are presented at their very best when sale time arrives.
