HRH The Princess Royal and Lord Rooker to visit NSA Sheep 2006
17/07/06

HRH The Princess Royal and the Minister of State for Sustainable Farming and Food Lord Rooker will be among the guests at NSA Sheep 2006, the industry’s biennial event to be staged by the National Sheep Association at the Three Counties Show Ground, Malvern on Wednesday 2 August.

NSA Sheep 2006, which will be officially opened by NSA president, Lord Plumb, is expecting a crowd of more than 12,000 including delegations from Canada, Denmark, Holland, Sweden and the USA. The Agri-Lloyd sponsored event with EBLEX and Shearwell Data as mainline sponsors will be split into five working areas focusing on a comprehensive range of industry issues: production, marketing, consumption, environmental and conservation issues and traditions. More than 260 educational and commercial trade stands have booked, including live exhibits from 55 sheep breed associations and societies.

A key feature to the event will be the Farmers Weekly sponsored seminars featuring presentations throughout the day made by a line up of keynote industry wide speakers together with a lunchtime Question Time, followed by a Marketing Forum. A discussion session entitled Your Sheep Farming Future will encourage farmers to forward their pressing issues towards an awareness campaign be launched after the event with Lord Rooker.

Outdoor activities will include students, YFC members and other youngsters competing for the inaugural NSA Young Shepherd of the Year award, professional fencing contractors participating in the Tornado Wire Fencer of the Year award; finalists for both the English Shearer of the Year and the Open Shearing awards, and a sale of working sheep dogs.

NSA Sheep 2006 chairman, David Smith says: “We are offering a format which will offer not only sheep farmers, but the entire industry the opportunity to learn about the latest developments to help them to plan their own business strategies in preparation for the full impact of the new regime come 2012. The event will provide our exhibitors with a shop window for the overseas delegations, and for visitors from all stages of the production chain, the chance to catch up, share ideas and ultimately take home information to help improve their unit’s efficiency and profitability.”

Pedigree sheep breeder, John Sinnett is to open the gate to the industry at Stockton Court, Stockton-on-Teme, Worcester on Tuesday 1 August, the eve of NSA Sheep 2006.

Visitors will be able to view the noted Stockton Suffolk and Texel flocks which have been developed during the last 30 years by John and his brother, David on their 350 acre unit, to supply rams and breeding females suited for both the pedigree and commercial sectors. There will also be an opportunity to discuss with John his vision for the sheep sector and why he believes it is on the brink of radical change if it’s not only to survive but once again become a vibrant industry offering a cost efficient supply of quality lamb.

Admission to Stockton Court is by ticket only and via coach from the Three Counties Showground, Malvern. To book a place, please contact NSA Sheep 2006 organiser, Julie Sedgewick by Monday 24 July on 01388 664496 / juliesedgewick@btinternet.com or down load a booking form from www.sheepevent.co.uk

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