| 2018-04-23 |    |
Opportunity for Sheep Breeders to Influence Defra Research
An opportunity for sheep breeders to feed into an exciting research project assessing UK sheep genetics and its future possibilities awaits those attending this year’s National Sheep Association (NSA) Breed Society Forum.
All NSA-affiliated sheep breed societies are invited to join the annual forum on Thursday 3rd May at Hampden House, Chalgrove, Oxfordshire, a one-day event providing an effective information network for those involved in pedigree livestock production in the UK.
2017 Breed Society Forum
Attendees can look forward to an informative and valuable day with numerous sheep industry experts joining NSA staff and office holders in providing updates and insights into the latest developments and work in the UK sheep sector, especially important as the UK moves ever closer to its departure from the EU.
One highlight of the day will be a unique insight and opportunity to assist in a new, Defra-funded research project led by the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) and Scottish Rural College (SRUC), supported by NSA. Following an introduction to the project by AHDB researchers Sam Boon and Kim Matthews, and NSA Livestock Researcher Nicola Smith, attendees will be invited to join an interactive workshop to assess the current UK sheep genetic resource, the targets the UK is aiming to reach in this area and how they can be achieved.
Also joining the breed society representatives this year will be Lesley Stubbings, highly regarded independent sheep consultant, providing an update on research into ram longevity, as well as AHDB joining the group once more to give information on the latest findings and developments from the Ram Compare project.
NSA
Chief Executive Phil Stocker comments:
“The NSA
Breed Society Forum is an invaluable event in ensuring effective communication
between NSA and the breed societies that represent pedigree sheep
breeders. We look forward to another successful event and hope
to be joined by a good number of breed society representatives,
who will facilitate useful discussion and take away a great deal
of valuable information back to their own members.”
