NSA Samuel Wharry Memorial Award for the Next Generation
Samuel Wharry of Carnlough, County Antrim, was NSA Chairman when he died suddenly in May 2017, aged just 56. As an advocate of science and technology, particularly relating to genetics, the bursary is given in Samuel’s memory to ensure his enthusiasm, curiosity and practical nature live on.
Since 2019 NSA Next Generation and the Company of Merchants of the Staple of England (the Staple) have jointly offered the Samuel Wharry Memorial Award for the Next Generation in the form of travel opportunities to support two young people (aged 21-34) in a study trip.
Following NSA’s recent involvement with the Global Sheep Producers Forum, the 2026 award will take a slightly altered but equally exciting format.
The new Samuel Wharry Memorial Award, presented thanks to continued kind support from the Staple, will now fund two young sheep farmers aged between 21 and 35 to take part in a gathering of fellow young sheep farmers from other sheep producing nations including Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada.
The Next Generation Global Sheep Producers Forum will meet in July 2026 in Australia before travelling to New Zealand for a series of farm and industry visits. The group will also visit the LambEx event held near Adelaide, Australia, one of the world’s largest sheep, lamb and wool forums.
In total it is expected the trip will last between 10 - 14 days. Final travel dates will be confirmed in the new year but will definitely be over the 7-10th July 2026.
You can apply here for 2026.
Please note applications are required to be accompanied by the name of a referee that is already involved with NSA. Examples of this involvement could be as an NSA committee member (regional, national or ram sale committee), an NSA staff member or an individual that has had an involvement with NSA events.
