Policy, practical skills and positivity define outstanding NSA Sheep Event 2026

Thousands of sheep farmers, industry professionals and rural businesses came together at Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire, yesterday (Tuesday 28th July) for an outstanding NSA Sheep Event 2026, where knowledge exchange, practical demonstrations and lively debate celebrated the strength, resilience and innovation of the UK sheep sector.

The day began with a packed seminar theatre as Defra Farming Minister Stephen Morgan MP joined NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker and NSA Chairman Pete Delbridge to discuss many of the issues currently affecting sheep farming. Topics included wildfires and the role of upland grazing, bluetongue restrictions and their impact on trade, food security, local abattoir closures, and the importance of ensuring the sheep sector has a voice in future UK-EU discussions.

Further seminars explored the relationship between farming and consumers, the many environmental and economic benefits delivered by sheep farming, and future market opportunities, attracting large audiences throughout the day.

Away from the seminar theatre, learning continued across the showground through a varied programme of workshops and demonstrations. The NSA stand remained busy throughout the day, hosting the launch of the updated Ruminant Health and Welfare Strategy, an important update on the current bluetongue situation, and a presentation from NSA Samuel Wharry Travel Bursary recipient Rollo Deutsch, who shared his experiences representing the UK at the Global Sheep Producers Forum in Australia and New Zealand earlier this month.

Visitors also enjoyed entertaining sheepdog displays, while the popular cookery theatre showcased the versatility of British lamb through a series of live demonstrations.

Competition remained at the heart of the event, highlighting the exceptional standards of stockmanship, craftsmanship and professionalism found throughout the UK sheep industry.

One of the day's highlights was the NSA Next Generation Shepherd Competition, sponsored by the Texel Sheep Society, where finalists from across the UK demonstrated the practical and technical skills required by modern sheep farming. Chloe Nadin from Staffordshire claimed the national title following an outstanding performance.

The return of the National Young Stars Competition, held for the first time since 2018, proved another major success. Young teams demonstrated impressive livestock knowledge, teamwork and communication skills, with the Texel Team of Robbie Aiken and Rhianydd Davies taking the overall title.

Awards were also presented for the best trade stands, breed society displays, pens of sheep, fencing and British wool fleeces, showcasing excellence across every part of the sheep sector.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says:"NSA Sheep Event is all about bringing people together to exchange ideas, celebrate success and discuss the future of our industry. The enthusiasm across the showground was tremendous, with visitors engaging in seminars, demonstrations and competitions throughout the day.

"While the sheep sector continues to face challenges, the atmosphere at the event was overwhelmingly positive. The professionalism, innovation and passion on display demonstrated exactly why the future of UK sheep farming remains bright."

The celebrations began the evening before the event, when farmers, exhibitors and industry representatives gathered for the NSA Sheep Event Dinner. During the evening, Northern Ireland sheep farmer Edward Adamson received the prestigious NSA George Hedley Memorial Award, recognising his outstanding contribution to the UK sheep sector.

NSA Chairman Pete Delbridge concludes: "NSA Sheep Event continues to showcase the very best of our industry. From policy discussions and technical learning to practical skills and young people developing their knowledge, the event demonstrated the strength of the UK sheep sector and the commitment of those working within it. It was a fantastic day and a tremendous success."