Livestock
Competitors gear up for grand final at Sheep 2018
• Shepherding and farming skills • 18 competitors from across UK • Showcase for future farmers
oung sheep handlers from the region will put their shepherding skills to the test at trhe National Sheep Asso- ciation’s (NSA) Sheep 2018 event this month.
Y
Robert Spink and Ryan O’Sullivan – both from Norfolk – will take part in the national fi- nal of the NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year competition, sponsored by the Texel Sheep So- ciety. The event takes place on 18 July at the Three Counties Show- ground, Worcestershire. The best young shepherds
from around the UK will go head- to-head in a range of tasks de- signed to test their skills ranging from shearing to lamb selection. The competition will also in- clude a mystery challenge test- ing knowledge of a topical sub- ject currently affecting the UK sheep sector. Each of the 18 competitors has fought hard to get to the final, se-
curing a place via nine regional competitions held by the NSA up and down the country. It forms part of the NSA Next Generation programme dedicated to encour- aging and supporting the sheep farmers of the future.
Speed and stamina
Returning once again to entertain the crowds, NSA Sheep 2018 will include the highly respected wire fencing competition, sponsored by Tornado, where competitors will be required to demonstrate speed, skill and stamina as they race to erect a section of fencing before the allotted time runs out. The popular contest is judged not just on time but important- ly on the quality of the finished work, and spectators can expect an exciting display as rival fenc- ing teams take part. NSA Sheep 2018 organiser
Helen Davies said the compe- titions were always a draw for
Seminar programme
Topical issues affecting producers will be discussed in a range of seminars at Sheep 2018. Seminars will see farmers and industry spokesmen put
forward their opinions and experiences, with plenty of time in each session for the audience to engage in discussion and debate. In addition to the seminars, a workshop programme will run through the day. All seminars will take place in the seminar tent.
Thriving in an uncertain future for international sheepmeat 11am-12 noon: An expert panel will look at how the UK can optimise sheepmeat exports. As a sector that relies heavily on overseas sales, the session will look at the pros and cons of trade deals with EU and non-EU countries, tariffs and quotas – and the potential impact on market prices.
Recognition of public goods to ensure a thriving future 12.15pm-1.15pm: Future farm support is likely to be based on
46 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2018
payment for delivery of public goods. This session will look at rewards for the economic, environmental and social benefits that sheep farmers provide, as well considering support for UK flocks need to be healthy, efficient and profitable.
Making the most of technology to drive farm businesses 1.30pm-2.30pm: This seminar will look at appropriate technology for the sector and how sheep farming could embrace new tools. Speakers will consider how and where gains can be made, on a national and local level, with benefits to the sheep sector as a whole and on individual farms.
Domestic market opportunities for a thriving future 2.45pm-3.45pm: Export markets may offer big post-Brexit opportunities, but we cannot ignore that the majority of UK production is still consumed without our own country. This session will look at what the future holds and what further domestic opportunities exist.
Hard-fought contests are set to be a big crowd puller
visiting crowds. “We look for- ward to welcoming competitors from across the UK to test their shepherding and farming skills against each other in what will be some hard-fought contests.”
Fleece award
Those seeking a quieter spot will also find plenty of interest at NSA Sheep Event 2018. Away from the hustle and bustle of the fencing and Next Generation competi- tion areas, visitors will find the
fleece competition, featuring a fine display of fleeces from a range of sheep.
The contest, which is a quali- fier for the British Wool ‘Golden Fleece’ competition, includes sev- en classes of fleece and is open to all wishing to show off their fin- est wool. NSA chief
executive Phil
Stocker says: “It is always pleas- ing to recognise the skills and hard work of those competing on such a recognised stage with- in the industry. We wish all com- petitors for 2018 the very best of luck and can’t wait to see the com- petition outcomes.”
For full details, including com- petition information, visit www.
sheepevent.org.uk.
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