Seminar programme tackles key questions facing UK sheep farming at NSA Sheep Event 2026

Visitors to NSA Sheep Event 2026 later this month will have the opportunity to hear from industry experts and join discussion on some of the most important issues facing the UK sheep sector, with a seminar programme designed to inform and inspire.

Taking place throughout the day on Tuesday 28th July at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, the four seminars will explore the changing policy landscape, evolving consumer expectations, the varied future of sheep farming systems and opportunities for market growth. Each session will feature expert speakers and allow plenty of time for audience questions and discussion.

Opening the programme will be the headline NSA Breakfast Club - a seminar examining how today's political decisions could shape tomorrow's farm businesses?

From the future of farm support and the Government's Farming Roadmap to the evolution of initiatives such as Pathway, the panel including agri-business experts and editors from the UK’s leading farming press will explore the policies, priorities and political promises set to influence the sector in the years ahead. 

Drawing on their insight into Westminster and the farming community itself, our panellists will separate political rhetoric from practical reality, discussing the challenges and opportunities facing British agriculture and what they could mean for sheep producers.

The focus will then turn to bridging farmer and consumer priorities, recognising that while both groups share an interest in a sustainable and resilient food system, their expectations do not always align. The discussion will explore how the sheep sector can better understand consumer attitudes while ensuring businesses remain productive, profitable and prepared for the future.

Following on from this visitors will be able to find out more about the practical opportunities available on farm through multifunctional sheep systems. Those joining the session will hear how sheep enterprises today can deliver far more than high-quality meat and wool, with increasing recognition of their role in supporting biodiversity, landscape management and carbon outcomes. The seminar will highlight practical ways farmers can maximise these opportunities while strengthening the long-term sustainability and resilience of their businesses.

Rounding off the seminar programme will be a discussion on unlocking market potential, asking where future growth for the sheep sector is most likely to come from. With changing consumer habits, evolving trade relationships and increasing international competition, the panel will explore the balance between strengthening domestic demand and capitalising on export opportunities to build a profitable and resilient future for the industry.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: "One of the strengths of NSA Sheep Event is its ability to bring together farmers and industry experts together to discuss the issues that matter most to the sector. This year’s seminar programme has been developed to reflect the challenges and opportunities currently facing sheep farming, giving visitors practical insight alongside the chance to ask questions and contribute to the debate.

"Whether you're looking to understand future agricultural policy, adapt to changing consumer demands or identify new opportunities for your business, the seminars offer valuable discussion that will leave visitors better informed and better prepared for the future."

Registrations will soon be open for visitors wishing to pre-book to join the NSA Breakfast Club seminar. The registration will reserve a seat in what is expected to be a busy session and will also include a free breakfast roll on the morning of the event.

Alongside the seminar programme, visitors to NSA Sheep Event can enjoy the usual appealing mix of attractions including more than 250 trade exhibitors, practical workshops, demonstrations, competitions, sheepdog displays and much more. The combination makes NSA Sheep Event the UK's leading business event dedicated to the sheep sector.

NSA Sheep Event takes place on Tuesday 28th July 2026 at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern. NSA members receive free entry, with discounted advance tickets available online now.

Find out more information about the event at www.sheepevent.org.uk.