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Sheep farmers are being invited to make the most of a packed, interactive programme at NSA Central Region’s biennial winter event later this month, at Bakewell Agricultural Centre on Thursday 26th January.
With a brand new look as NSA Central Region Early Gathering, one of the main aims of the event is to bring much if it undercover, within the warmth of the market concourse. The day promises an action packed programme of demonstrations, seminars and interactive workshops, all incorporating the theme of health.
Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, says: “With the full impact of Brexit not yet known, the sheep sector is facing inevitable future changes. NSA Central Region Early Gathering
Interactive demonstrations will kick off the action, offering visitors practical tips on keeping sheepdogs healthy and making the most of them on farm. NSA Central Region is delighted that local sponsorship has allowed them to invite renowned sheepdog expert Katy Cropper to travel down from Cumbria and lead this session. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view some of AHDB Beef & Lamb’s work on encouraging a healthy demand for lamb products. AHDB will demonstrate its development of innovative new cuts and recipes to inspire more consumers to have lamb as a regular feature on their shopping list.
Four seminar sessions will take place during the day to encourage farmers and industry delegates to discuss a variation of topics surrounding issues of health of the sheep industry. These will include securing a healthy future of the sector through the next generation, keeping farm records healthy and staying legal, an on-farm health check to ensure business survive post-Brexit, and a look at common human health problems experienced by farmers.
Alastair Sneddon, Bakewell auctioneer and NSA Central Region Chairman, says: “The intention of the day is to get people involved, making the most of the fantastic experts on-hand. We encourage visitors to ask questions and make comments, as the topics lend themselves to fantastic discussion and debate.”
Taking place in a slightly more informal format will be a series of interactive workshops where visitors can fully engage in a topic and get advice specific to their farm business. Independent Sheep Consultant Lesley Stubbings and Independent Sheep Vet Chris Lewis will lead a session on the healthy use of wormers, flukicides and antibiotics, while Sean Riches of MSD Animal Health will use a separate session to discuss ways flock health problems might be prevented before they occur.
Mr Sneddon continues: “It is a packed programme and was intended to be so. We recommend that visitors use their time wisely to attend the vast majority of the different sessions on offer, with some repeated to make this possible.
They can dip in and out of the different areas to catch the sessions that appeal to them, as well as spending time getting expert advice from the various trade stand holders.”
NSA Central Region Early Gathering will run from 10am to 4.30pm. Find a full programme for the day and more information at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/earlygathering.