NSA Sheep Event provides new Farming Minister with insight to a sustainable sheep sector

The pressures facing UK sheep farmers were recognised by new Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner yesterday at the National Sheep Association (NSA) Sheep Event 2024 with reassurance given to the full seminar tent of visitors of his ambition to create a better future for the industry.

Focussing on a sustainable future for the sector, the flagship event of the NSA, taking place at the Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire, attracted prominent names from industry to lead seminar discussions including Mr Zeichner who joined NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker ‘in conversation’ for the NSA Breakfast Club Live.

The Minister took questions in the session stating that he welcomed the opportunity to listen and learn from an event full of farmers, more knowledgeable than he about the sheep sector in particular. With concerns raised of the future of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), food security, sheep health and the rewilding agenda, the seminar provided much for both the audience and the Minister himself to take away for further thought.

Phil Stocker comments: “I have been impressed by the level of interest Mr Zeichner has shown in his time as Shadow Minister and since his confirmation in post following the general election. The opportunity to speak with him to highlight the serious issues facing the sector was incredibly valuable and it was encouraging to hear reassurances given that seem to place him on the same page as NSA concerning several issues. NSA thanks Mr Zeichner for joining us and now look forward to working with him to ensure the voice of the UK sheep industry continues to be heard loud and clear.”

A main topic of discussion was the SFI where Mr Zeichner asserted that the Labour Government would not overturn progress made with the new scheme by the previous government  but he recognised that there were issues with it that would need to be rectified, in particular to those farming in upland areas. The need to ensure future support is tailored to individual farmers’ circumstances was also emphasised.

Continuing the early buzz from the NSA Breakfast Club, NSA was excited to use the occasion of NSA Sheep Event to launch its new report ‘Sheep Farming and the Sustainability Agenda’ that brings together evidence to demonstrate the UK sheep industry’s positive role in sustainable agriculture, identifying what more can also be done to progress the sector and further improve its credentials.

The report was welcomed by another packed seminar tent featuring speakers Phil Stocker, Dr Jude Capper from Harper Adams University, with whom NSA has produced the report, and case study farmers, Cumbrian sheep farmer Will Rawling, and Powys sheep farmer John Yeomans.  Visitors were clearly interested by what the report can do for the future of the sector. A copy of the new report can be on the NSA website at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/our-work/policy/.  

With many farming enterprises facing some level of change the third seminar of the day, chaired by NSA Cymru /Wales Region Chair Caryl Hughes, discussed how to manage business reform with positive solutions. Identifying that just by visiting events such as Sheep Event farmers were taking positive steps forward, the first speaker was Neil Adams who has recently overseen the production of the Farm Business Survey for Promar International. Neil left the audience with three keys beneficial pieces of advice; To pursue productivity, to optimise support and to plan success. Second speaker Mark Suthern, Chair of the Farming Community Network (FCN) as well as many other industry accolades was well placed to speak on coping with change assuring the crowd to give change a chance and not to be bogged down by things out of their control.

The session was brought to a close by North Devon Sheep Farmer Liz Griffiths encouraging others to find their ‘sweet spot’ by considering their own circumstances when deciding on their business and personal aims. Having been part of the SFI pilot alongside husband Bryan, Liz shared their experience facing the changes this had brought about.

Varied market opportunities and methods to drive these forward were the topic of discussion for the final seminar of the day.

Chaired by NSA Policy & Technical Committee Chair Kevin Harrison and featuring Awal Fuseini, AHDB, Phil Hambling, ABP and Emyr Owen, Rhug Estate, the seminar gave attendees advice on how to develop successful markets themselves as well as providing them with information on current work being undertaken to overcome challenges and create further opportunities by the wider industry and trade organisations.

The session brought the seminar tent to a close with an animated Q&A on future trade and its impact on the UK sector.

A recording of the NSA Breakfast Live seminar, sponsored by Roythornes Solicitors and featuring Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner will be available to watch again soon on the NSA website.