NSA pays respects to Vice President

It is with deep sadness that we report the untimely passing of John Stephen Brigg a past Treasurer and later Chairman of the NSA and latterly a vice president.

John originally joined NSA Council as the Oxford Down Association breed representative and becoming, as John did, engrossed in matters of state and the sheep industry as a whole. He became a valued member of the Team progressing to the office of Treasurer for 5 years and later being elected as Chairman.

His knowledge and ability to mix in all walks of life made him popular with various Secretary of State and other politicians always the voice of reason and "standing his corner" for the sheep industry as a whole.

He was also a long-serving member of the NSA Wales & Border Ram Sale Committee, helping the Builth Wells sale to become the largest one day sale of rams in the world.

His proudest moment within the NSA was receiving the George Hedley Memorial Award in 2008 for an outstanding contribution to the UK sheep sector.

"Not only was he successfully involved in the Oxford Down breed as a noted breeder, council member, President and for some time secretary, but also establishing the highly regarded Gorse herd of pedigree Longhorn cattle taking many show ring Championships but also holding the breed record (probably World Record too) price for a Longhorn cow & calf when Gorse Rosa & heifer calf sold for 12,000gns at his dispersal sale in 2018," Clive Roads comments.

He will be greatly missed not only within the sheep and livestock sector but throughout the farming industry across the country.

NSA Wales/Cymru Development Officer says: "John Brigg was a highly respected stalwart of NSA who served for many years as a dedicated member of the Council and Vice-President. Throughout his life, he was a well-known champion of the sheep farming community, representing many breeds and had a wealth of knowledge. John had time for everyone and was a true gentleman, he will be sadly missed."