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11th October 2019 NSA response to ageing of sheep at slaughter consultation NSA has responded to Defra's consultation of the ageing of sheep at slaughter. NSA's response can be found below. Read More

1st October 2019 NSA welcomes confirmation red meat doesn’t ‘cause cancer’ The National Sheep Association (NSA) is pleased, but not surprised, to see a new report showing there is no significant link between red meat and cancer. NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker comments: “Sheep farmers have long said eating red meat is… Read More

24th September 2019 NSA welcomes return of Agriculture Bill Following the decision of the Supreme Court to rule the prorogation of Parliament as unlawful, NSA is calling for Parliament to resume work on the Agriculture Bill. Eleanor Phipps, of NSA, explains: “This ruling is unprecedented and something we… Read More

20th September 2019 Sheep have a vital role in tackling climate change The National Sheep Association (NSA) is contributing to the climate change emergency by not only encouraging sheep farmers to engage with the challenges it presents but also to correct the many misleading statements being made that suggest sheep… Read More

12th September 2019 NSA not surprised by Yellow Hammer papers UK Government has released its 'Operation Yellow Hammer' papers for which its no-deal planning assumptions are based upon. NSA Phil Stocker says: “We are not surprised to see this paper confirming what industry has been saying for a long time – that… Read More

6th September 2019 Funding for Scottish farmers welcomed ahead of difficult period The National Sheep Association (NSA) is welcoming the news of a cash injection into Scottish farming hopefully ending the dispute over convergence funding.NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker comments: “This funding is much needed for Scottish farmers,… Read More

28th August 2019 NSA statement following Government announcement to request parliament is prorogued ahead of Brexit Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to ask the Queen to prorogue parliament ahead of Brexit, allowing a no-deal to pass without Parliamentary opposition. Proroguing is the process of shutting parliament down between sessions (usually done every summer)… Read More

19th August 2019 NSA launches UK-wide survey to capture farmer views on sea eagle release The National Sheep Association (NSA) has opened a farmer facing survey to gather views on the introduction of sea eagles in the Isle of Wight following the release in recent weeks. NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker comments: “While this release may… Read More

12th August 2019 NSA and British Wool team up for exciting ‘auction mart roadshow’ As the major sheep sale season gets into full swing the National Sheep Association (NSA) and British Wool are looking forward to meeting sheep farmers at a number of auction markets over the coming months.Taking part in the roadshow on behalf of NSA… Read More

25th July 2019 NSA urges new Secretary of State to ensure current progress is not wasted *Updated 19th August 2019 - response received from Prime Minister. Frustrated to have a new face at the top of Defra at such a critical time for the UK sheep sector, the National Sheep Association (NSA) is calling on the new Prime Minister and new… Read More

23rd July 2019 NSA calls on new Prime Minister Boris Johnson to focus on stability in any new Brexit policy NSA is calling on new Prime Minister Boris Johnson not to play populist politics as he sets out his Brexit plan.NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker comments: “This is not a time for playing politics or making rash promises in an attempt to demonstrate… Read More

2nd July 2019 Misleading media messages about sheep farming needs to stop The National Sheep Association (NSA) is reminding the media of their responsibility to ensure statements made by presenters are factually correct.NSA is seriously concerned that mainstream media is painting British sheep and cattle farming in a… Read More

1st July 2019 NSA welcomes sheep industry support policy pledge in leadership contest The National Sheep Association (NSA) has welcomed the policy pledge by Conservative Party leader (and Prime Minister) hopeful, Jeremy Hunt, that £6 billion will be earmarked for farming and fisheries in a no deal Brexit scenario.In October 2018, NSA… Read More

1st July 2019 NSA emphasises need to remember the importance of domestic promotion The National Sheep Association (NSA) is encouraging policy makers to give equal attention to the security and development of our domestic market as to proposed export markets when promoting British produce, following the release of the Efra… Read More

28th June 2019 NSA welcomes appointment to oversee review the UK food system The National Sheep Association (NSA) has welcomed the appointment of Henry Dimbleby to lead a review on the UK’s food system.Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, comments: “This review is something NSA really welcomes. Food production and… Read More

4th June 2019 NSA thanks Buckingham Palace for its promotion of British lamb NSA has welcomed the news that British lamb was on the menu at yesterdays state banquet, in which Her Majesty the Queen hosted US President Donald Trump.NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker comments: “As Her Majesty stated in her address yesterday,… Read More

30th May 2019 NSA calls on Government to broaden its definition of skills in migration proposals The National Sheep Association (NSA) has welcomed the news that the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended veterinarians be added to the occupation shortage list. However, it is continuing to push for the Government to reconsider some… Read More

10th May 2019 NSA responds to Defra general licence call for evidence NSA has responded to the UK Governments call for evidence on general licences for the shooting of certain species of birds. The general licence's have now been taken over by Defra from Natural England. You can read NSA's full response below. The… Read More

30th April 2019 NSA respond to official notice from Defra on delay of carcase splitting regulation change Despite NSA anticipating this decision, it is naturally disappointed to receive confirmation from Defra, and devolved administrations, that the change from toothing to a calendar date in the carcase splitting decision for TSE has now been officially… Read More

26th April 2019 NSA reminds industry to follow shearing guidelines and uphold standards this shearing season As shearing season begins across the UK, NSA is reminding farmers and contactors to do their bit to uphold industry standards and protect our reputation.Following the videos released by ‘animals rights’ organisation PETA last autumn, NSA joined with… Read More

11th April 2019 NSA cautiously welcomes further Brexit extension NSA is cautiously embracing the news of a Brexit ‘flextention’ providing sheep farmers more certainty surrounding sheep meat sales this spring and summer, however it remains unhappy with the uncertainty floating over the sector. The extension will… Read More

10th April 2019 NSA welcomes announcement of third country status that allows ongoing trade with EU NSA has welcomed the announcement from the UK Government of listed EU status, allowing UK sheepmeat exporters to continue to sell to the EU post-Brexit.Eleanor Phipps of NSA comments: “NSA is very pleased to hear this news as it means there will be… Read More

9th April 2019 Come and work for NSA! A number of exciting employment opportunities are currently available with the National Sheep Association - an Assistant Bookkeeper for a few hours a week at NSA Head Office in Worcestershire, a flexible role in NSA Marches Region and a specialist… Read More

22nd March 2019 NSA reminds MPs that sheep farmers are producing lambs today with no idea of future trade relationships With Brexit now extended until the 22nd May if the Prime Minister can get her deal agreed within Parliament, and April 12th if she can’t, the UK still sits on a cliff edge with a no deal being a real possibility. NSA is again reminding policy makers… Read More

21st March 2019 Joint Industry Guidance on Sheep Shearing Industry organisations have produced joint guidance on sheep shearing (attached) to remind farmers and professional contractors to work together to ensure that sheep are handled appropriately during shearing.The guide explains and emphasises… Read More

12th March 2019 NSA echoes it’s no deal messages as MPs prepare to vote on the proposed Brexit deal As MPs are preparing to vote on the proposed Brexit deal once again, NSA is calling on MPs to consider the implications of voting down the deal, echoing its messages from the past months.NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker comments: “After another few… Read More

28th February 2019 Retiring NSA Scottish Region Chairman writes open letter to members in Scotland John Fyall recently completed his two-year term as NSA Scottish Region Chairman, stepping down at the Annual Regional Members' Meeting on Wednesday 13th February. He has written this open letter to NSA members in Scotland to reflect on his term and… Read More

27th February 2019 The ‘Next Generation’ of office holders elected at NSA regional meetings The success of the National Sheep Association (NSA) Next Generation programme is again clear to see following this year’s series of NSA Annual Regional Members Meetings (ARMMs), the majority of which were held over the last few weeks.NSA Next… Read More

18th February 2019 NSA raises concerns with Natural England about proposed eagle release Responding to concerns raised by its members, the National Sheep Association (NSA) is challenging proposals to release white-tailed sea eagles on the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of England. NSA understands the Roy Dennis Foundation and the… Read More

15th February 2019 Government offers confidence of support of UK sheep industry with no deal Brexit The National Sheep Association (NSA) attended two highly significant meetings with Defra yesterday (14th February), which gave NSA confidence the Government has listened to and agreed with the case that has been made for the importance and value of… Read More

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