Sheep farmers invited to embrace 2015 at NSA central region winter fair

Visitors to the NSA Central Region Winter Fair on Thursday 29^th January at Bakewell Market, Derbyshire, will no doubt be wondering what awaits their business, and the sheep industry, in 2015.

Of all the agricultural sectors, sheep farming finished 2014 in the strongest position, with prices up on the same point the previous year. Despite a sticky autumn period for lamb prices, quality stock, store lambs and breeding animals drew demand throughout the year. But what lies in wait in the year coming?

Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, says: “But of course it’s not all about prices – ‘turnover is vanity; it’s profit that’s sanity’ – and 2014 brought some of the best grass growing conditions that we have seen for years. With it there was an associated improvement in ewe condition, health and of course fewer losses and reduced costs. This all demonstrates the volatile conditions that we are working in, both in terms of markets and climatic conditions.

“Dealing with this volatility in 2015 and beyond will be challenging and will need tight management and peak performance. It’s about being resilient; understanding the volatile times we face but accepting there are clear opportunities with profitability there for those able to rise to the challenge.”

Alastair Sneddon, senior partner for NSA Central Region Winter Fair hosts Bagshaws, agrees. “Farmers need to do all they can to protect their businesses from the factors over which they have no control,” he says. “Essential to any defence is the latest knowledge. I am confident that a day spent at the NSA Central Region Winter Fair will stand you in good stead and provide an essential transfusion of technical and political information.”

Richard Wheeldon, agricultural programme leader at Reaseheath College, Cheshire, and new Chairman of NSA Central Region, is looking ahead to his first Winter Fair. He hopes visitors to the event will make the most on everything on offer, including the programme of highly topical seminars.

“It seems every year farmers face new challenges, none more so this year as we continue to get to grips with electronic movement reporting and the new ARAMs system,” he says. “We have reflected these challenges in our seminar programme, which I hope people will find interesting and informative. Please come along and put your questions to our speakers and join in the discussion on some very topical issues.”

NSA Central Region Winter Fair will see Bakewell Mart filled with a range of trade stands, features, demonstrations and competitions, as well as an excellent line-up of seminars. Entry if FREE* to NSA members and only £5 for non-members. Find out more and download an Event Guide at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/crwf.

*One discounted/free entry for up to two NSA events a year per membership held, even if membership in joint names.

Notes to editors:-

• For further information please contact Anne Payne, Event Organiser and NSA Central Region Manager, on 01142 883241, 07803 744437 or bobandanne@handbanktexels.wanadoo.co.uk.
• The National Sheep Association is an organisation that represents the views and interests of sheep producers throughout the UK. It is funded by its membership of sheep farmers and its activities involve it in every aspect of the sheep industry. More at www.nationalsheep.org.uk and www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk.