THE National Sheep Association has released details of what attendees to its series of two-day residential workshops, to be held this summer, can look forward to.

For several years, NSA has been active in offering events and competitions for young shepherds through its Next Generation programme and as a further development of this programme, new for 2019, NSA is holding a series of five two-day workshops, which will allow attendees to hear from industry experts, tour selected sheep farms and network with like-minded young sheep enthusiasts, taking home ideas and inspiration to implement in their own business.

Helping to co-ordinate the programme of workshops, NSA communications officer Katie James, explained: “Our five, two-day workshops will include talks and advice from some key names in the industry, including leading sheep vets Fiona Lovatt and Phillipa Page and consultant Lesley Stubbings as well as leading research and supply chain companies. Each workshop includes an overnight stay, providing a great opportunity for socialising with fellow young shepherds, as well as some excellent farm visits. We really hope this attractive combination will appeal to next generation farmers looking for some career development.”

The five residential workshops will take place in different locations and offer a different theme, meaning interested attendees can join NSA for more than one training event should they choose. The events are:

• Grassland management – Monday 29 to Wednesday 30 July, Greenmount College, Northern Ireland;

• Flock health and responsible medicine use – Tuesday 6 to Wednesday 7 August, Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, Gloucestershire;

• The sheepmeat supply chain – Monday 19 to Tuesday 20 August, Swansea University, South Wales;

• Getting started in the sheep industry – Tuesday 17 to Wednesday 18 September, Lee Wood Hotel, Buxton, Derbyshire;

• Profitable lamb production – Thursday 26 to Friday 27 September, Barony Castle Hotel, Peebles, Scottish Borders.

NSA has subsidised the cost of hosting the events hoping to allow an increased number of people to attend. A reduced rate is available for NSA members.

Further details and an online booking form can be found at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/next-generation/events-activities/two-day-residential-workshops.