NATIONAL SHEEP Association has said that its hopes are high for 2021, with a full diary of events in preparation.

With the main regional events; NSA Welsh Sheep, NSA Scotsheep, NSA North Sheep, NSA Sheep South West and NSA Sheep Northern Ireland all set to take place between May and July, the association is hoping to offer visitors a much needed day out meeting with fellow sheep farmers and industry experts. Bookings for these events will open very soon.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “Of course we were left with no choice but to cancel our 2020 events. Now, despite some uncertainty of the situation we will find ourselves in next year, we must proceed with optimism that our line-up of events will be able to take place once again next year.

“As an organisation that acts as the voice of the UK’s sheep sector, a sector likely to be considerably affected in 2021 by our imminent departure from Europe, there will never be a more important time for us to be able to meet with members and colleagues face to face to discuss the changes upon us and the steps needed for our industry to move forward into a new era for the country’s farmers. We sincerely hope that the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic will have subsided sufficiently to allow this to happen.”

NSA is formed of nine regions that each have involvement with or organise their own regional sheep event for members residing in that area. As business to business events, NSA sheep events offer visitors opportunity to hear from industry leaders in informative seminars, take part in practical workshops, discuss an array of products both new and existing with sheep farming trade stands, view competitions and much more.

NSA sheep events are planned for 2021 at the following dates and locations:

  • NSA Welsh Sheep, Tuesday, May 18, Red House Farm, Aberhafesp, Newtown, Powys
  • NSA Scotsheep, Thursday, May 27, Over Finlarg Farm, Tealing, Dundee
  • NSA North Sheep, Wednesday, June 2, Bradford House Farm, Ponteland, Northumberland
  • NSA Sheep South West, Tuesday, June 22, Rampisham Manor and Cobham Farms, Rampisham, Dorchester
  • NSA Sheep Northern Ireland, July date and location TBC

Up to date information on all events can be found on the NSA website. It is anticipated that event trade and breed society bookings will open from Monday, November 2, for exhibitors to secure their place at the 2021 events. All measures will be put in place to ensure events will be Covid safe and operate to current government guidance on the day.