NSA awards open to acknowledge commendable members of UK sheep sector

Two prestigious National Sheep Association (NSA) awards recognising outstanding contributions to the UK sheep sector are now open for nominations.

The NSA George Hedley Memorial Award and the NSA Bob Payne Memorial Award celebrate individuals who have made a significant impact on the UK sheep industry and are widely respected as two of the sector's highest honours.

First presented more than 60 years ago, the NSA George Hedley Memorial Award recognises an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the UK sheep sector. Often regarded as a lifetime achievement award, it honours highly respected individuals whose dedication has had a lasting influence on the industry.

Previous recipients have made outstanding contributions across a wide range of areas, including sheep research and development, the provision of exceptional services to the industry, raising the profile of sheep farming, charitable work, training and education, and the promotion of best practice.

Individual NSA members, NSA committees, major agricultural organisations, farming unions and NSA-affiliated sheep breed societies are invited to submit nominations in the form of a written citation of up to 200 words.

Nominations submitted by individual NSA members must include both a proposer and a seconder. This requirement does not apply to nominations submitted by an NSA committee or other organisation.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “The George Hedley award recognises the outstanding contribution of an individual to the UK sheep industry. The long and worthy list of past recipients of this award are testimony to the dedication of people within our sector. All at NSA are proud to present this award annually and we look forward to welcoming nominations this year.”

NSA is also inviting nominations from its committees for the NSA Bob Payne Memorial Award for an Unsung Hero.

This award recognises an individual from within NSA's extensive network of officeholders, committee members, volunteers and staff who consistently goes above and beyond in support of the Association. It celebrates those whose dedication, commitment and efforts have made an exceptional contribution to the success of NSA and the wider sheep sector.

Mr Stocker continues: “This award gives praise to those individuals who are often the unassuming, loyal and hard-working individuals that are key to the successful running of an area of NSA’s work.”

Nominations must be submitted by Monday 12th October to NSA Support & Activities Officer via email fiona@nationalsheep.org.uk or via post sent to the NSA Head Office. For further details on both awards, previous winners and the nomination process please visit here to view the NSA George Hedley Award or here for the NSA Bob Payne Award.