Young people with an enthusiasm for the UK sheep sector are invited to join two free informative events later this month held as part of the National Sheep Association (NSA) Next Generation project.
The Chief Shepherdess Zoe Colville will appear in Ashford, Kent
The NSA Next Generation Winter conferences, kindly sponsored by MSD Animal Health, are aimed specifically at those starting out or in the earlier stages of their careers giving the young sheep farmers of the future opportunity to learn from industry experts and discuss hopes for their future farming businesses and careers with fellow young sheep farmers.
This year the events will be held in both the North and South of England close to good transport links to allow as many young people to attend as possible. The first event will take place on Tuesday 22nd November at Skipton Livestock Market, North Yorkshire, BD23 1UD followed by a second event on Thursday 24th November at Ashford Livestock Market, Kent, TN24 0HB.
Helping to coordinate the conferences, NSA Communications Manager Katie James, says: “NSA Next Generation events aim to cater for everyone with a passion for sheep farming, from new entrants to those looking at taking on more responsibility within a long-established business as well as anyone who is simply keen to learn more about sheep farming.
“These events will provide a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the options out there for young people considering a career in sheep farming or looking to make their mark on an existing business. We are pleased to yet again welcome some outstanding speakers to this year’s events as well as some well-known influencers who will share their experiences and thoughts for the future with those attending.”
Following a welcome and talk from NSA representatives, each event offers attendees a choice of informal and informative workshops run by experienced industry professionals. Workshops will offer a range of topics to help attendees gain the best advice specific to their situation and career aims. Joining NSA to offer workshops will be experts from organisations such as British Wool, Moredun, Shearwell, AHDB, host auctions – CCM and Hobbs Parker, and more.
A particular highlight at the Skipton event will be a practical sheep dog demonstration from the International Sheep Dog Society giving advice on how to get the best from your working dog. Whilst at Ashford, NSA will be pleased to welcome popular social media farming influencers The Chief Shepherdess and The Super Serious Farmer, also known as Zoe Colville and Kriss Woodhead, to the event this year.
Mrs James continues: “It is really exciting to be joined by two popular, influential young shepherds like Zoe and Kriss, we are sure their attendance at the event will be a popular addition to the Ashford conference.”
Both events are free to attend and include a hot lunch, kindly provided by British Wool. Details of the conferences along with a booking form for both events can be found now on the NSA Next Generation website at www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk
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