2018-02-09 |
   |
Trade Stand Bookings Rolling in for Scotsheep 2018
Bookings for trade stand space and breed exhibits, from both breed societies and individual breeders, are rolling in for Scotland’s national sheep event, NSA Scotsheep 2018, which takes place on Wednesday 30th May.
The event, held every two years, is organised by NSA Scotland, and the venue is Kings Arms Farm at Ballantrae in South Ayrshire where host farmers, Robert and Caroline Dalrymple, along with long-time farm manager, Andrew McLean, run a flock of 1400 ewes with all lambs, except replacement ewe lambs, finished on the farm.
Scotsheep 2016
“Plans for NSA Scotsheep 2018 are well advanced and the organising committee is hard at work putting together an exciting programme of events on the day,” reports organiser, Euan Emslie, secretariat of NSA Scotland.
“I would urge prospective exhibitors to get in touch with me right away to book space and ensure a good site. Closing date for applications is February 28.”
Organisation is in the hands of a local committee under the chairmanship of George Allan, secretary of the Scotch Mule Association, and Mr Emslie will be happy to provide further information and application forms for trade stands and breed society exhibits. Euan can be contacted on 01430 441870 / 07718 908523.
The reputation of the sheep flock at Kings Arms Farm, which comprises 1000 Texel x Mule ewes and 400 Scotch Mule ewes, is sure to prove a big draw for the thousands of sheep farmers from throughout Scotland and the North of England expected to attend.
The farm tour is always a highlight of Scotsheep for most farmers and this year will be no exception with the spectacular views towards Iona and the Mull of Kintyre adding to the opportunity of viewing a well-managed commercial sheep flock.
Efficient grassland management is the key to the high output of the 700 acre farm which is all grass and takes advantage of a favourable climate to finish the February-born lambs on grass to catch the early market.
The farm also supports a suckler herd of 185 Limousin and Aberdeen-Angus x Friesian cows which are crossed with home-bred Charolais bulls from the farm’s 15-cow pedigree herd.
Features of the event will include a huge array of trade stands and breed society exhibits, stockjudging, NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year competition, invitational sheepdog trial and sheep shearing competitions, comprehensive seminar programme, grassland demonstration and a show and sale of pairs of ewe hoggs.
Practical demonstrations will cover lamb carcase and grading, sheep dressing, wool spinning, crook making, fencing, and dry stone walling.
