NSA Welsh Sheep 2027 announces Hybu Cig Cymru and Pilgrim’s Europe as Major Sponsors

NSA Welsh Sheep 2027 has won the support of two leading Welsh-based organisations. The National Sheep Association (NSA) is delighted that Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) and Pilgrim’s Europe are to be Major Sponsors of what is one of the UK sheep industry’s major events.

NSA Welsh Sheep 2027 will take place at Ty-Draw, Llanasa, Holywell, Flintshire, on Wednesday 19th May 2027, kindly hosted by the Roberts family. The event will welcome farmers and industry professionals from across the UK for a showcase of sheep farming, livestock, innovation, technical knowledge and rural businesses.

HCC’s sponsorship for the event will be funded by Phase 2 of Welsh Sheep Genetics (WSG) – a three-year programme that HCC is delivering on behalf of the Welsh Government. At NSA Welsh Sheep, HCC will focus on WSG and how it aims to support the uptake of genetic improvement within sheep flocks in Wales, helping breeders to improve productivity, efficiency and environmental performance, while also enabling them to make informed, evidence-based breeding decisions.

WSG will build upon a unique dataset developed as part of the Hill Ram Scheme (previously delivered by HCC) and Phase 1 of WSG (previously delivered by Farming Connect). In addition, robust key performance indicators, tailored farm-level action planning and a portfolio of research projects designed to drive innovation across the sector will be developed during the three-year project period.

Dr Eleri Thomas, HCC, says: “HCC is proud of its long-standing association with NSA Welsh Sheep and is delighted to continue supporting this flagship event in 2027.

“It will be a fantastic opportunity to highlight our Welsh Sheep Genetics work and how it will benefit the industry as a whole. These benefits include supporting industry benchmarking and long-term business planning, as well as strengthening the supply, presentation and marketing capability of breeder flocks.

“We look forward to attending and to meeting NSA members from across Wales during what will be a great event.”

Pilgrim’s Europe has also been announced as a Major Sponsor.

Pilgrim’s Europe is proud to partner with 450 of the UK’s leading independent higher welfare sheep farmers as well as 2,500 Red Tractor assured lamb producers to procure year-round, high-quality British lamb.

The company prides itself on maintaining a high standard of lamb farming across its supply chain to provide the best quality produce for its customers. In partnership with its farmers, lambs are reared outdoors, grazing on grass and foraging crops to adhere to Red Tractor standards, helping to maintain its higher welfare values.

Its sheep farming partners are located in Wales and the West Country of England, all of which raise lambs according to its higher-than-industry standards.

In its wider lamb supply chain, Pilgrim’s Europe sources from farms in England, Wales and the Scottish Borders. These regions are renowned for their grass conditions, making them an ideal location for lamb farming, allowing for better conditions for its flocks and ensuring environmental considerations are met.

Working with its lamb farmers, the company provides support and guidance to ensure high welfare and production standards are met, collaborating at each stage of the process to ensure they feel supported throughout. 

James Coleman, Pilgrim’s Europe, says: “Pilgrim’s Europe is delighted to be a Major Sponsor of NSA Welsh Sheep 2027. Welsh producers are at the heart of our lamb supply chain, and this event is a fantastic opportunity to catch up with current producers and meet the next generation, along with potential new ones.

“Next year will no doubt have its challenges and we will see some changes across our lamb business, but we will continue to do our best to invest and grow, creating new opportunities for Welsh producers to be part of our future. We look forward to discussing this in more depth on the day.

“We would also like to wish the Roberts family all the very best with the event. Pilgrim’s Europe has been working with the family for a few years now and it has become a fantastic relationship. Those attending the event will not be disappointed with what they see on the day.”

NSA Welsh Sheep 2027 will feature trade stands, breed societies, seminars, competitions and live demonstrations, bringing together the very best of the sheep sector and Welsh farming. Bookings for stands are now open at welshsheep.org.uk/exhibitors/apply-online.

Further details will be announced over the coming months. More information at welshsheep.org.uk.