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Sheep Farmer
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015
A NATIONAL SHEEP ASSOCIATION PUBLICATION
MEET THE 2015 NSA NEXT CAP UPDATE FOR ALL FOUR
GENERATION AMBASSADORS UK NATIONS
SPECIAL FEATURE ON CLA, AN NEW NSA CHAIRMAN BRINGS
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Sheep Contents
Farmer
February/March 2015
Message from NSA Head Office ................................................................................. 2
News round-up ............................................................................................................. 3
Vol. 34, No 2
ISSN 0141-2434 NSA regional news ....................................................................................................... 4-8
A National Sheep Association Publication
The Sheep Centre • Malvern
NSA event diary ........................................................................................................... 8
Worcestershire • WR13 6PH NSA Central Region Winter Fair report .................................................................... 10
Tel: 01684 892661
www.nationalsheep.org.uk NSA summer sheep event previews ......................................................................... 11
Editor: Joanne Briggs New NSA member wins EID stick reader ................................................................ 12
07807 237982
joanne@nationalsheep.org.uk Meet the 2015 NSA Next Generation Ambassadors ........................................... 14-18
Advertising Sales: Helen Davies Update on eartagging and farm assurance .......................................................... 20
07976 803066
Reflections from retiring chairman John Geldard ................................................ 22
helen@nationalsheep.org.uk
Farm Feature: New NSA national chairman Samuel Wharry ................................ 24-26
NSA is a Company Limited by Guarantee
registered in England (No. 37818) and George Hedley Memorial Award winner ................................................................. 27
a Registered Charity in England and
Wales (No. 249255) and Scotland (No. Special Report: CAP reform update ....................................................................... 28-33
SCO42853). VAT No. 273 3469 44
Spring grazing management .................................................................................... 34
Sheep Farmer magazine is published by
Reducing lambing losses .......................................................................................... 36-37
NSA with design and production services
provided by Ladies in Print. Special Report: The threat of CLA to UK sheep flocks ...................................... 38-41
Worming advice .......................................................................................................... 42
Sheep scab cooperation ......................................................................................... 44-45
Email: ladiesinprint@outlook.com Eblex focus farm initiative .................................................................................... 46
Tel: 01684 899255
Shee
Walking the wool supply chain with BWMB .........................................................
p Farm 48
No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored A NAT
er
FEBRU
IONAL ARY/M
ARCH
SHEE 2015
MEE P AS
SOCI
in a retrieval system or shared in any form (be in
T
GENE THE 2015 ATION
RATI PUBLI
ON AM NSA NE
SPEC BASS XT CATIO
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electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or IA ADOR
ICEB L FEAT S
Front Cover
ERG UR
DISE E ON CL CAP
ASE A, AN UPDA
NSA IN SH
otherwise) without prior consent of NSA. Every care CE EEP TE FO
WINTE NTRAL R AL
L
R FA RE
IR RE GION NEW UK NA FOUR
TION
PORT SHAR NSA CHAI S
is taken when compiling this magazine and NSA and E FA
RMIN RMAN BR
G EX IN
PERI GS
ENCE
Ladies in Print take no responsibility for errors and
omissions arising from publication. Views expressed The front page picture was taken by professional
and information contained in Sheep Farmer are photographer Eric Beard and features January-born
not necessarily those of NSA or Ladies in Print and
neither party cannot be held responsible for any Shropshire lambs bred by NSA member Sue Farquhar
reason arising from them. Neither NSA or Ladies in of Ledbury, Herefordshire. Sue runs a registered
Print endorse any services or products advertised in flock of 55 breeding ewes, and lambs early in the
this issue.
year in preparation for the autumn pedigree sales.
She is looking ahead to an exciting year with the
SFfe
bmar
15FC
.indd
1
your
busin
Paper is FSC® certified. It is ess yo
sourced from responsibly
Shropshires, saying the breed continues to do well and exported ur fu
ture
more than 200 breeding animals to Germany and France last year.
03/02
/2015
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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 1
Research can benefit us all –
but only if it’s ‘good science’
I am certainly not anti-science, far from interactions. It is this that supported
it in fact, and feel honoured to be part the message that red meat production
of an industry that is, and has been, so is climate-unfriendly in comparison with
well served by the science and research poultry and pork. Then there’s been
community for so long. ‘silo science’ that has looked at things
But when I spoke at an Uplands in isolation and ignored the impact or
Science meeting in Wales in late January, influence elsewhere. Examples here are
I sensed I made some comments that some of the environmental science that
raised a hackle or two. The temperature of has looked at single species and related
the meeting rose on a couple of occasions habitat management that has ignored
(as you come to expect with involvement ecology and society in its wider sense.
from farming bodies, environmental But this meeting in Wales, and others
researchers, social scientists and other I have attended, suggest there is the
academics) but my contribution to this will to move on. The talk of holistic and
was when I said quite clearly that while I connected research was refreshing, as
didn’t agree, I sympathised with the view was an acceptance that the involvement
that we could stop all new research and of farmers and practitioners would be
work harder at getting what has been done helpful, and that knowledge transfer is a
adopted by end users. vital part of research work.
Knowledge transfer Farm assurance
I knew this comment in a room full or Members may also have seen the NSA
researchers would be a red rag to a bull, being vocal on Red Tractor Assurance
but there is a strong element of truth in standards over the last few months. NSA
it and most attendees accepted what continues to support the principle of
I’d tried to say. In fact the increased farm assurance in all UK nations. It gives
investment in ‘knowledge transfer’ is evidence of this being recognised already. confidence to the market, helps avoid the
The topic has got me thinking since confusion of too many differing supply
and I’ve concluded that there are at least chain schemes, can be a good discipline
Contacting NSA two types of science, and probably more. for farmers, and already results in some
earned recognition, reducing official
The practical applied science that most
Phil and the team at NSA are always farmers benefit from probably wouldn’t inspections. We want this mainstream
available to members and interested succeed without the input of scientists scheme to work alongside other smaller
to hear opinions, concerns and areas who have a passion for the subject and its but more advanced schemes, to be the
of interest. Call NSA Head Office beneficiaries. This would include much of foundation of farm assurance, operating
(Monday-Friday 9am-5.30pm) on our research on soils, genetics, feeding, at a level that anyone can take part in. Our
01684 892661 or direct an email to veterinary subjects and much more. concern is that if it is perceived to move
one of the addresses below. away from baseline requirements it will
Blaming livestock restrict the number of people who want to
The NSA Team At the other extreme there is the science join and gold plate unnecessarily – more
Phil Stocker that sets out to prove a position that then on page 20.
NSA Chief Executive influences policies and decisions, and far Finally, I would like to pay tribute
pstocker@nationalsheep.org.uk too often sets out to prove an already held to John Geldard, who stood down as
Julie Jennings position that is unlikely to change. This for Chairman of the NSA Board in January.
Association Secretary/PA to Chief Executive me is bad science, with examples being John has become a real friend as well,
julie@nationalsheep.org.uk some of the work that has been done as being an incredible Chairman who
Helen Breakwell seemingly to prove that livestock farming has given so much time, energy and
Bookkeeper/PA to Chief Executive is bad. It’s too often not independent or knowledge to the NSA’s cause. John
hbreakwell@nationalsheep.org.uk driven by commercial or political interest. joins the NSA Vice Presidents and this
Joanne Briggs Peer review processes should sort any will ensure his ongoing involvement.
Communications Manager problems out, but I’m still not convinced. With John standing down I would like to
joanne@nationalsheep.org.uk In the past there have been other welcome Samuel Wharry to the position
Gill Callow categories of science that haven’t always of Chairman. Sam has already given three
Membership Secretary been helpful either – ‘incomplete science’, years of service as a Trustee Manager
gill@nationalsheep.org.uk and we are all looking forward to the next
such as carbon accounting that doesn’t
Charlotte Underwood consider complete life cycles and complex chapter of an ongoing theme.
Membership Recruitment
charlotte@nationalsheep.org.uk
Helen Davies Save the date: NSA is supporting the Sheep Breeders Round Table event
Corporate Relations again this year, which will be held on Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd November in
helen@nationalsheep.org.uk Nottinghamshire. See www.nationalsheep.org.uk/sbrt.
2 SHEEP FARMER
News Update
Carcase splitting New national chair
Regular readers of this magazine will know NSA offers a very warm welcome to
that TSE controls in sheep and carcase Samuel Wharry as the organisation’s new
splitting have been issues high on the NSA national chairman, as elected by the NSA
agenda for some time now, resulting in the Management Board in early January.
TSEs: The case for the relaxation of sheep The national chairman is elected for a
controls report last year. term of three years from within the pool
The report concluded that while TSE of 12 regional trustee managers. Samuel
controls in general had to be addressed by comes from Carnlough, County Antrim,
the EU to make them evidence-based and Northern Ireland, and has been an
risk-proportionate, more immediate gains officeholder within NSA Northern Ireland who has held the post of national
could be made by changing how the UK Region for a number of years (including chairman since January 2012. John
implements EU carcase splitting rules. NSA regional chairman), served on the NSA reflects on his term in the top seat on
and NFU have been working closely on Board for three years and has a wealth of page 22.
this and are pulling together a stakeholder sheep farming knowledge to draw on for John and two other long-time
meeting in early February to see if cross- this national role. You can read about his supporters of NSA – John Cameron
industry agreement can be reached on sheep farming business, which includes and David Prosser – were selected as
using a calendar date for carcase splitting a share farming agreement with new NSA Vice Presidents at the same NSA
instead of checking for teeth. entrant James Davison, on page 24. Management Board meeting in January. A
NSA will keep members informed Samuel takes over from John Geldard, special welcome to all three of them.
on the outcome of this meeting. In the
meantime, you can read the NSA’s TSE an individual with responsibility to help obligation to make sure the advice we
report at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/hot- British companies tap into China’s growing give and the products we recommend are
topics. interest in products and speciality foods. absolutely right for the circumstances on
The role has been filled by Karen Morgan, each individual farm. The campaign will
Staff changes at NSA who currently leads Defra’s competitive explain why such detailed information
January saw NSA Head Office wave farming team and will take up the new role is required, and the amount of training
goodbye to a member staff, as Caitlin this spring. undertaken and level of expertise that our
Peck, NSA Communications Officer, left Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, SQPs are able to offer.”
for pastures new. She is staying in the comments: “We very much welcome For more information on the campaign
charity sector but has opted for a human the creation of this new role and, from visit www.ahda.co.uk and look out for
cause other than sheep farmers! what I saw on my trip to China last year, more information in NSA Weekly Email
Interviews for a replacement are it is an essential step if we are to take Updates and forthcoming editions of
in early February and we will update advantage of this growing market. We are Sheep Farmer. Also see SCOPS advice on
members of the addition to the NSA Head still some way from securing direct access page 42.
Office soon. Enquiries that were going into China for sheep meat, and to have
to Caitlin are being handled by Joanne someone based there and working for us NSA Lambing List
Briggs in the meantime – see panel will undoubtedly help pave the way. It is a For members using the NSA Lambing List
opposite for contact details. big investment but should be a use of levy to advertise for help this lambing season,
funds that reaps rewards in due course.” please note that a new feature for the
Chinese counsellor Read the NSA, NFU and Eblex report list this year is the ability to remove your
Following the fact-finding tour of China from China at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/ advert once you have filled the position.
by NSA, NFU and Eblex in September last hot-topics. If you would like your details removed
year, NSA is very pleased to hear news of from the online listing please email
a new UK Agricultural and Food Counsellor Wormer campaign membership@nationalsheep.org.uk or
to be based in Beijing. The consequences of not knowing whether call NSA Head Office. Also please get in
The trip to China found there was huge your wormers are working efficiently touch if you do not currently receive the
potential for UK sheep meat exports, are the focus of a new Animal Health NSA Weekly Email Update.
particularly third quarter but increasingly Distributors Association (AHDA) campaign,
prime cuts over time, and a dedicated which was launched at its annual Book giveaway
person in the role of furthering future conference in late January. There was an extra present under the
trade opportunities is good news for the The campaign will encourage sheep tree for the 11 NSA members who were
sheep sector. farmers to make sure their wormers are winners in our Christmas Book Giveaway.
This is a big investment by the UK working, understand what could happen We gave away four copies of Counting
Government and our own levy money if they are not, and encourage them to Sheep, four of Much Ado About Mutton
via AHDB, and for the first time will see take advice on worming strategy. This is and three of Dogs of the Shepherds to:
the first campaign to be run by AHDA and John Davies, Ceredigion; Chris Farnsworth,
will involve a variety of activities including Wiltshire; John Flanders, Ceredigion;
advertising, farmer emails, press articles Shaun Hall Jones, Carmarthenshire; Kevin
and printed materials. Harrison, Gloucestershire; Peter Little,
Ian Mennie, AHDA Chairman, says: Dumfries and Galloway; Colin Lowrie, East
“AHDA’s member companies and their Lothain; Derek Parrish, Scottish Borders;
staff are very much on the frontline Joe Pickford, Oxfordshire; Tuckett and
when it comes to resistance. We have an Warne, Devon; and Alan West, Kent.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 3
Regional Reports
His Grace the Duke of Montrose
Honorary President
Central Cymru/Wales
By Richard Wheeldon, Chairman By Helen Davies, Development Officer
Samuel Wharry Well it’s been a busy couple of months NSA Cymru/Wales Region is looking
National Chairman
here in NSA Central Region with many ahead to its AGM on Thursday 19th
David Gregory new exciting opportunities. We had our February. Members from our region will
Honorary Treasurer
AGM in November where Bob Payne, find an AGM notice enclosed with this
Chairman of the last 13 years stood magazine, while the minutes of the last
Central
down. meeting are on the NSA website at www.
Richard Wheeldon Anne Payne Bob has been a fantastic Chairman nationalsheep.org.uk/events. Copies
Regional Chairman Regional Sec/Manager
07540 945768 01142 883241 throughout the last decade and is a great of the accounts will be available at the
richard.wheeldon@ 07803 744437 ambassador for the sheep industry. During meeting or by request.
reaseheath.ac.uk bobandanne@
handbanktexels.wanadoo. Bob’s time in the position we saw many Since the last edition of Sheep Farmer
co.uk threats and changes to the industry, magazine you will be aware that the
including Schmallenberg, bluetongue and moorland rate has been scrapped and
Cymru Wales the introduction of EID recording. I am sure hard work has started on a new Wales-
Paul Wozencraft Helen Davies he will remain a strong member of NSA based CAP Basic Payment Scheme. The
Regional Development Officer
Regional Chairman
01938 590535
Central Region and will continue to work new options are expected to be available
01597 810552
07775 338985 07976 803066 hard to promote the UK sheep industry. As for consultation later in the month. The
helen@nationalsheep.org.uk
wozencraft963@btinternet. well as myself being elected as the new Deputy Minister has sought views from a
com
Chairman, Sarah Helliwell came on as Vice number of bodies and formal consultation
Eastern Chairman. will commence when she is satisfied
As a brief introduction for readers, I am that the proposals are ready for wider
Andrew Foulds Jonathan Barber
Regional Chairman Regional Manager a sheep and beef lecturer at Reaseheath consideration.
01842 890828 01953 607860 college, and also live and work on the Although the Welsh Government
07836 287281 07712 659262
andrew.fouldes@elveden. jonathan@ceressolutions.
family sheep and beef farm in Buxton, has been clear throughout that all
com co.uk Derbyshire. Our new Vice Chairman Sarah payment rates were indicative pending
Helliwell is a tutor at DART Training as well establishment of total entitlements under
Marches as running the family farm in Edale. Anne the new BPS, it is inevitable that this
Kevin Harrison Dyana Webb Payne has also returned as our Regional revised situation will result in change to
Regional Chairman Regional Secretary Manager and I am sure Anne needs the payments that farmers might have
01179 323441 07971 409259
07900 056562 dy@nationalsheep.org.uk no introduction due to her many years expected in the years ahead.
marches@nationalsheep.org.uk working within Central Region. The budget available for Pillar I
My first couple of months as Chairman payments remains as before; some
Northern have been busy, as for the rest of the redistribution is therefore inevitable.
Adam Watson Julie A Sedgewick region, in the run-up to the NSA Central It is also likely that there will be some
Regional Chairman Regional Manager Region Winter Fair. It was very exciting to consequential impacts on Welsh
01434 381243 01325 314650
07766 720423 07836 773888 be involved in this event and I hope visitors Government’s ability to make payments
adamwwatson@msn.com jas@nationalsheep.org.uk enjoyed the day as much as I did. in December 2015. NSA Cymru/Wales
See the event report on page 10. continued on page 6
Northern Ireland
John Blaney Edward Adamson
Regional Chairman Regional Development Officer
07712 769084 02893 366225
j_blaney9@hotmail.co.uk 07711 071290
edward.adamson1@gmail.
com
Scottish
Sybil Macpherson George Milne
Regional Chairman Regional Development Officer
01838 200218 01334 472403
07796 018528 07831 511330
brackleyfarm@gmail.com george.nsa@btconnect.com
South East
Andrew Barr Bob Blanden
Regional Chairman Regional Manager
01273 858544 01666 860308
07768 867124 07860 689391
a.baabaa@hotmail.co.uk bob@nationalsheep.org.uk
South West
Bryan Griffiths Kate White
Regional Chairman Regional Secretary
01769 560393 01823 672341
07736 371640
07779 465729
kate@nationalsheep.org.uk
At the NSA Central Region AGM, Bob Payne (left) retired as Chairman, passing the role to
bryan.southcott@btconnect.
com Richard Wheeldon (right), supported by Sarah Helliwell (centre) as Vice Chairman.
4 SHEEP FARMER
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Region will be seeking members’ Farm, Cockermouth, Cumbria. There will
views when the consultation is NSA 2015 be regular updates at www.northsheep.
available, and please feel free to get Sheep Events org.uk and members are admitted for
in touch at any time on this or other As an ongoing effort to offer NSA members free in 2015.
topics. more for their subscription, entry to NSA regional NSA Northern Region is always
During December and January a sheep events will be FREE this summer. Encourage
* keen to encourage the next
survey of NSA members in Wales was friends, family and neighbours to become a member generation of sheep farmers and
conducted on quarantine units and the by calling 01684 892661 or going to www. we are excited about the NSA North
current six-day standstill rule; thank nationalsheep.org.uk/membership. Sheep Young Shepherd of the Year
you to those members who replied, but *
Conditions apply; see website for details. NSA Highland Competition at the event, sponsored by
unfortunately the meeting where we Sheep not yet confirmed for free entry Newton Rigg and Askham Bryan colleges.
would have presented those views to The competition is open to young
the Welsh Government was postponed people aged 16-26 on 30th July 2016.
due to bad weather. That means further visitation of the farm assurance inspector All entrants must have a British Wool
discussions on EID Cymru have also been so much? Is it a feeling of being judged to Marketing Board Blue Seal Certificate for
delayed. be guilty before proving your innocence? shearing and complete an application
Please remember to put Tuesday 19th Is it because you feel you are being judged form; no entry on the day. The winner will
May 2015 in your diary for NSA Welsh on your paperwork skills rather than your receive £300 prize money, together with
Sheep at Glanmiheli and Drefor. This is an flock management or animal health and the Ali Johnson Perpetual Trophy; there will
exceptional venue and looks to have the welfare skills? Do you feel the inspectors also be cash prizes paid to sixth place.
makings of another fantastic event. are there more as a box filling exercise During the day entrants will take
than to be interested in what you actually part in five rounds designed to test their
Eastern do? Get in touch to share your views. shepherding skills and wisdom. They
NSA Eastern Region is looking ahead to New EID regulations are now in place. will be expected to show judgement in
its Youthful Shepherd Event, which will Does this now make the EID rules easier lamb selection; their speed and handling
build on the success of a similar event to understand and implement, or are they abilities in sheep shearing; their dosing,
in 2013. just confusing you more? We have known vaccinating and foot trimming skills;
The date and venue are confirmed as these changes were going to happen answer questions on flock management
Saturday 6th June at Darley Stud, Darley, for sometime, yet they still seem to be and health issues; and demonstrate ATV
Newmarket, Suffolk, by kind permission catching some sheep farmers out. Again, handling skills. Rules and entry forms are
of Darley Stud Management. Look out for we would be interested to hear your views. on the website.
more details about this exciting event for Health planning, good recordkeeping
young people in the sheep sector in due of flock performance and attention to Northern Ireland
course. detail are all good traits to have in any By Edward Adams, Development Officer
sheep business. The ability to trace animal NSA NI Region feels honoured,
Marches movements fast and effectively could delighted and very proud (but not
By Kevin Harrison, Chairman help slow down the spread of a disease surprised) that Samuel Wharry has
Farm assurance, health plan templates outbreak. Unfortunately this technology been elected as the new Chairman
and the new EID tagging rules would cannot be 100% accurate and while sheep of NSA. The region first identified his
seem to be the hot topics of debate at farms try their hardest to be efficient in potential in 1992 when he won the NI
the moment. recording their animal movements they Region Sheep Farmer of the Year. The
While the new Red Tractor Assurance are being penalised for the smallest next year he agreed to sit on our regional
health plan templates seem to have unintentional errors. committee and as they say ‘the rest is
caused concern in other regions, NSA The danger is that by having things history’. In choosing Samuel the Board of
Marches Region members have remained forced upon us means some may see Trustees has elected a chairman who is a
quite quiet about them. Is them as unnecessary bureaucracy and person of great integrity, who is genuine, a
that a sign that you are all interference, and not see the benefits that wise counsel and dedicated to the sheep
happy to adopt the new many of these things could have on the industry.
standards? performance of their flock! As 15th May looms closer and the
Why do we as On a final note, NSA Marches Region deadline for applications for payment
sheep farmers would like to congratulate Samuel Wharry under the new CAP nears the advice is
seem to on his appointment as NSA National to read the new rules carefully and fill
fear the Chairman and we would like to thank in the forms accurately as mistakes will
retiring Chairman John Geldard for all his attract increased and unwelcome scrutiny
work and support over the last three years. from DARD. Pillar II funding is slow to be
finalised but we are in regular contact with
Northern DARD officials lobbying for a fair share of
By Julie Sedgewick, Manager the funding to be allocated to the sheep
The NSA Northern Region AGM will sector.
take place on Wednesday 25th February As is always the case at the beginning
2015 at The Hired Lad, Penrith Mart, of a new year we look forward to what
Penrith, Cumbria. The members AGM will we hope will happen in the sheep sector
commence at 7.30pm and then at 8pm (which is seldom the same as what
we will have an open meeting. Please look actually does happen!) On the island
out for the AGM invitation and agenda of Ireland, both north and south, we
enclosed with this edition of Sheep depend on exports of sheep meat for our
Farmer. survival. China and potential exports to
NSA North Sheep 2015 will be held that vast country and its huge population
on Wednesday 3rd June at Millstone Moor is regularly commented on, but should be
6 SHEEP FARMER
looked upon as an aspiration not a forgone
conclusion.
Sheep meat production in Great Britain
and Ireland may increase this year but
we are unlikely to see much increase in
the rest of the EU and with the likelihood
of a continued market in China for New
Zealand demand for our lamb should be
steady. Unfortunately the retail price of
lamb is something of a barrier to increased
sales, so we should not expect huge
increases in farm gate prices.
Hopefully the input costs for the
incoming year will have stabilised and
while we keep a careful eye to our
production costs 2015 should be a
reasonable year for sheep producers.
Good luck with lambing and try to keep
as many as possible alive. Remember
those extra ones are the profit!
Scotland NSA Scottish Region Ambassadors Jennifer Craig and Andrew Prentice have been invited
By George Milne, Development Officer
to join the regional committee. They are pictured here at NSA Scot Sheep 2014 with
Our Scottish Region AGM and Dinner
Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead.
took place at the beginning of January,
this year at a new venue, the Novotel Chairman and Maimie Paterson re-elected NSA Chief Executive John Thorley, which
in Edinburgh. The hotel proved to be an as Treasurer. Sybil and Neale McQuistin gave us the young to old!! Or rather shared
excellent venue and, most importantly, the remain on the national Board of Trustees visions of the sheep sector from the new
lamb was cooked to perfection! as our Scottish Region representatives. to the more experienced. Unfortunately
Earlier in the afternoon we held a It was agreed that our two regional NSA our third speaker Andrew Prentice was
question and answer session where Next Generation Ambassadors from unable to travel across from Iona in
two Scottish Government officials, 2014, Jennifer Craig and Andrew Prentice the bad weather, but he filmed a short
Ian Davidson and John Maxwell, took (pictured), would become full committee speech and you can watch it on the NSA
questions from the audience on a variety members, and it is great to see their YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/
of issues under CAP reform. This gave enthusiasm continued in this way. user/natsheepassoc. The evening was
members the opportunity to have direct The 40 plus attendees at the AGM rounded off with a fantastic performance
contact with key decision-makers in our received a chairman’s report for the year, from Lauren McQuistin, whose singing
new scheme, which will see the shifting to a financial report and a presentation from was simply brilliant. In addition £570 was
area based payments across Scotland this myself on lamb numbers, volumes and raised for charity.
year. Topics ranged from setting regions, pricing. In the evening numbers increased Thank you to everyone who made
regional boundaries and the new entrants to 60 plus for the dinner, where we were the event highly successful and I would
scheme, right through to LFASS. joined by other industry representatives encourage many more of you to try and
The AGM saw business as usual, and sponsors as our guests. attend next year.
with Sybil Macpherson retuning to the After the meal we were treated to
Chair, Ian Hepburn remaining as Vice speeches from Jennifer Craig and former continued on page 8
MAKE TIME FOR OTHER
IMPORTANT THINGS
Tagging, drenching and health
checks are now completed quickly
and efficiently as Mark doesn’t
need to fight the sheep to keep the
animal still whilst being treated.
No need to catch and handle
sheep, let the RITCHIE Combi
Clamp do the back aching job
with ease.
RITCHIE Combi Clamp
Watch
the video
Mark Bromell and family Tel: 01307 462271 • Email: info@ritchie-uk.com • Web: www.ritchie-uk.com
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 7
presentations, one from NSA Chief
NSA South West Executive Phil Stocker on his trip to
By Bryan Griffiths, Chairman
China, and one from Sam Bullingham,
The new year heralded in the almost
recently selected NSA Next Generation
comically chaotic new tagging
Ambassador, on becoming world champion
regulations and some very wet weather.
Young Shepherd.
My rain gauge registered over five inches
in the first two weeks of January. With
lambing fast approaching on many farms South East A flock of a different type! This flock of
in South West England, dry ground and By Bob Blanden, Manager
The NSA South East Region AGM was ducks was one of the sights on the NSA
shed space are at a premium.
held at FAI Farms near Oxford in early South East Region farm walk at FAI farms,
In spite of some confusion over tagging
December, and prior to the AGM there which support a diversification enterprise
requirements, the store market appears
was a farm walk around the farm to of carp in the dirty water lagoon.
very tempting for small, tail-end hoggets.
The buoyant trade for draft ewes has hear about some of the research work After the AGM we had a very interesting
certainly taken the sting out of finding carried out there. presentation from Gareth Jones of the
empty ewes at scanning. We saw pigs being fed silage, and British Wool Marketing Board and another
It is worth sparing a thought for the ducks on a former slurry lagoon that was from Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive,
rams at this time of year. The average life now stocked with carp which feed on the who reported on his recent visit to China.
expectancy is pitifully short. The poor old ducks’ excrement (pictured). Another We are very pleased to report that
breeder is often blamed for producing interesting subject that was covered was there has been a winner from NSA South
‘soft’ stock but how often do we see on ‘short scrotum castration’, which is East Region in the NSA membership
exhausted rams left to fend for themselves carried out there. recruitment campaign. Congratulations to
in the winter on the pretext that they will One change made at the AGM saw Tom Dabron from Surrey for winning a 3in1
not be needed until next season? A little Martyn Fletcher elected to replace Advantage Feeder (more on page 12).
TLC might pay dividends in the long term. David Prosser as one of the regional Finally, it is good to report that the
I would like to thank all those who representatives on the NSA English region had five excellent candidates apply
applied to the NSA Next Generation Committee. We are very grateful to David for the NSA Next Generation Ambassador
Ambassador Programme this year. The for all the time he has given to the region Programme. Our thanks to NSA South
project is growing in popularity and it is over many years on the NSA Council and East Region committee members Peter
a great shame that due to limited places then the English Committee, Finance Fairbanks, Alan West and James Hamilton
we had to turn away so many strong and General Purposes Committee and, for joining Joanne Briggs from NSA
candidates. of course, the Executive Committee Head Office to interview and select our
Just a reminder that our AGM will when David was our Regional Chairman. candidate (more on page 14). We are
be held at Fingle Glen Golf Hotel on David has been and still is a very staunch planning to have some training days within
Wednesday 18th February at 7.30pm. supporter of our region and the NSA in the region for all of the candidates from
The business will be followed by two general. both this and last year.
NSA 2015 cut-out-and-keep diary
• NSA Sheep Centre at Balmoral Show: • NSA Sheep Centre at Royal Highland • NSA Eastern Region Shearling
Wednesday 13th to Friday 15th May at Show: Thursday 18th to Sunday Ram Sale: Friday 21st August at
Balmoral Park, Belfast 21st June at the Royal Highland Rugby Farmers Mart, Stoneleigh,
Showground, Edinburgh Warwickshire, CV8 2RG. www.
• NSA Welsh Sheep: Tuesday 19th
nationalsheep.org.uk/events
May at Glanmeheli and Drefor Farms, • NSA Sheep Northern Ireland: Monday
Kerry, Newtown, SY16 4LN.See www. 6th July at Ballymena Market, Woodside • NSA Eastern Region Ram Sale: Friday
welshsheep.org.uk Road, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, BT42 4QJ. 17th September at Melton Mowbray
See www.nationalsheep.org.uk/events Market, Leicestershire, LE13 1JY. See
• NSA North Sheep: Wednesday 3rd June
www.nationalsheep.org.uk/events
at Millstone Moor Farm, Cockermouth, • NSA Sheep Centre at Royal Welsh
Cumbria, CA13 0QA. See www. Show: Monday 20th to Thursday 23rd • NSA Wales & Border Main Ram Sale:
northsheep.org.uk July at the Royal Welsh Showground, Monday 21st September at the Royal
Builth Wells Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, LD2
• NSA Highland Sheep: Tuesday 9th June
3SY. See www.nsaramsales.co.uk
at Fearn Farm, Fearn, Ross-shire, IV20 • NSA Wales & Border Early Ram Sale:
1TL. See www.nationalsheep.org.uk/ Monday 3rd August at the Royal Welsh
nsa-scotland/highlandsheep Showground, Builth Wells, LD2 3SY. See STOP PRESS
www.nsaramsales.co.uk The second ever NSA Highland Sheep
• NSA Sheep South West: Tuesday 16 th
was announced as Sheep Farmer went to
June at Higher Nichols Nymet, North • NSA South West Ram Sale:
press. It is a very exciting venue, by kind
Tawton, Devon, EX20 2BP. See www. Wednesday 19th August – TBC – at
permission of award-winning farmer John
sheepsouthwest.org.uk Exeter Livestock Centre, Exeter, EX2
Scott; more information in the next Issue
8FD. See www.nationalsheep.org.uk/
of the magazine.
events
8 SHEEP FARMERIT’S LIKE MOTHER’S
MILK
LAMB FORCE
is made with ewe’s milk, unlike
most lamb milk replacers that
only use cow’s milk. Which would
ewe prefer?
FROM DOWNLAND - WHY WOULD YOU FEED ANYTHING ELSE
Contact your local Downland distributor
or telephone 01228 564498
bestadvice@downland.co.uk www.downland.co.ukPositive day for those who braved
snow at Central Region Winter Fair
Some extreme winter weather affected
attendance at the NSA Central Region Winter Fair 2013
Winter Fairy, but those who battled Fact File
through the snow were rewarded with a
Venue: Bakewell Market, Derbyshire.
useful and enjoyable day.
Date: Thursday 29th January.
An impressive 22 under 27-year-olds
Young Shepherd of the Year: Tom Bird,
made it to the event to compete in the
Derbyshire.
Young Shepherd of the Year competition,
Inter-Schools Junior Shepherd:
with Tom Bird taking the overall title and
Postponed.
best under 21-year old.
Schools Wool Challenge: Hope Valley
It was a busy month for Tom Bird with
Close.
NSA competitions, as he also won a free
Under 17s photos: Louis Foster (12).
EID stick reader kit in a prize draw – see
Breed society stand: North Country
page 12 for more information about Tom’s
Cheviot Sheep Society.
win and his family farm in Derbyshire.
Winning young shepherds, both students Trade stand: Rumenco.
School closures made the Inter-
Schools Junior Shepherd competition at Reaseheath College, Cheshire, Richard
impossible, but DART has agreed to run Bailey (left) and Tom Bird (right). benefit from some relaxation in sheep
it in the coming months so the young protein and as household budgets have movement recording in the future:
agricultural students can still develop their tightened we have seen a fall in sales,” “In 2016, we hope to introduce a
shepherding skills. she said. “Most people have a repertoire system of land association within a
of four dishes per week. Within the weekly 10-mile radius of the main holding. This
Seminar area list of meals there has been a shift to ‘one would mean farmers who regularly use
Trade stands enjoyed a busy enough pot’ meals such as pasta and research land parcels within this area could register
day considering the conditions, with shows younger people love spices. We them annually and move animals between
many reporting quality time spent with need to be mindful of this when we them without the need for reporting or
the visitors who made it, but it was the promote lamb to different audiences.” recording.”
seminar area that saw the most activity, Targeting the mass and inexperienced Shearwell Data, major sponsor for the
with good attendance throughout the day. cooks in the younger age groups is the event, highlighted the options available
Nicola Dodds of Eblex provided an priority for Eblex, Mrs Dodds said: “We to link farm management software with
insight into the consumer’s view of lamb want to rejuvenate the great British roast ARAMS, while Frank Langrish, a sheep
and how this understanding could be used and we have successfully launched the producer from Sussex, said more had to
to increase the amount of lamb meat lamb mini roast which retails at around £5 done to make the system simpler to use.
bought in this country. and is quick and easy to cook.”
“Lamb is the highest priced form of EID potential
Carcase consistency “Electronic identification represents a
Future lamb promotions must be great opportunity to reduce paperwork
underpinned by high quality carcase and offers potential to improve disease
production, she added: “Consistency in traceability. Unfortunately the ARAMS
terms of product and pricing is central to website is very user unfriendly and is
our campaign. It is vital customers have a a very tedious way of recording flock
good experience every time they buy lamb, movements,” he said.
so the product must be right.” A constructive discussion on managing
The topic of sheep identification and land in agri-environment schemes rounded
recording generated lively debate later off the day. Alan Alderson, Chairman
in the day, with Terry Gurnhill of Defra of the Swaledale Breeders Association
describing the new Animal Reporting and commented on the positives and pitfalls of
A demonstration of flystrike protection by Movement Service (ARAMS) for England. stewardship schemes:
Novartis drew a strong crowd. “The new ARAMS database brings “The extra income is very useful
together a number of statutory and schemes can integrate well into
requirements within one system. It allows farming systems,” he said. “But I am very
farmers to maintain a fully editable concerned about very low stocking levels
electronic holding register and it solves the in some agreements and I do not think this
problem of mixed batch recording,” Mrs is good for the ground or the wildlife.”
Gurnhill said. “Currently it does not have Other event highlights included
the capacity to allow for for multi-species a popular flystrike demonstration by
movements or updating of miscellaneous Novartis, a hands-on Eblex area and a
flock data, such as medicine records ‘make more of wool’ feature led by the
or abattoir kill figures, but these British Wool Marketing Board.
Alan Alderson was one the speakers in the enhancements could be added over time.” More online at www.nationalsheep.org.
popular seminar area. Mrs Gurnhill suggested farmers may uk/crwf.
10 SHEEP FARMERNSA Welsh Sheep
Two very different farming
systems run by two brothers Host farms
will be open to visitors to The event will be based at
NSA Welsh Sheep. Glanmiheli Farm, Kerry,
The adjoining holdings have Newtown, farmed by Geraint
great variation, yet the two and Anabel Powell, Rose
families face the same difficult (21), Lloyd (19) and Billie-Jo
question – how much longer (16). They put Welsh Mules to
will they be able to afford to Suffolk, Charollais and Texel
produce top quality livestock tups, selling finished lambs
with the change in the system to Waitrose and at Welshpool
of support payment looming? Market. The event also takes
This and other key in Drefor, farmed by Morton
questions facing the sheep and Mandy Powell, with
sector will be tackled at children Megan, Mary and
the event, which will offer David. They run 800 Welsh
farm tours, seminars and Mules, 400 Beulahs and 400
demonstrations. Welsh Welsh Mountain ewes, and
Sheepdog Society trials and farm some rented ground just
a sale of hoggs will also be over the border in England.
The two farms stand 600-
1,400 feet above sea level.
Organiser: Helen Davies
among the attractions, while
The Meadows, Arddleen, Llanymynech, Powys SY22 6RX
Tel/Fax: 01938 590535 · Mobile: 07976 803066 · Email: helen@nationalsheep.org.uk
competitions will include Welsh
A company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England. Registration No 37818.
Young Shepherd of the Year,
Registered charity in England and Wales (249255) and in Scotland (SC042853).
Ready Steady Cook and wool
National Sheep Association is an organisation which represents the views and interests of sheep producers throughout the UK. your business your future
on
NSA is funded by the hoof.
its membership of sheep farmers and its activities involve it in every aspect of the sheep industry.
Views from Glanmiheli Competition entries and
stretch most of the way from more information at www.
Shrewsbury to Snowdon. welshsheep.org.uk.
NSA North Sheep
With a return to the county
of Cumbria, NSA North Sheep
will be hosted this year at
Neil and Sally Martson’s
350-acre Millstone Moor
Farm, near Cockermouth.
This traditional Lake District
farm offers something for
everyone, and the event’s farm
tours will showcase the family’s Neil Marston is proud to host
management techniques and NSA North Sheep 2015.
renowned Highberries crossing
Blue Faced Leicester flock and Organiser, says: “This will be
top quality North of England a tremendous industry event
Mule ewe lambs. There will be where visitors can meet with
in the region of 5,500 head industry experts, visit the many
of sheep on the farm, a full trade stands and see first-hand
cross-section from the hardy one of Cumbria’s most notable
hill ewes to lowland sheep. flocks.”
The packed one-day event, Features include the Young
supported this year by Carrs Shepherd of the Year contest
Organiser: Helen Daviesfor 16-26-year olds, North of
Billington as major sponsor,
The Meadows, Arddleen, Llanymynech, Powys SY22 6RX
provides a showcase for Tel/Fax: 01938 590535 England inter-county
· Mobile: 07976 803066 shearing
· Email: helen@nationalsheep.org.uk
anyone involved in the ARegistered
sheep competition, and a Ready,
company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England. Registration No 37818.
charity in England and Wales (249255) and in Scotland (SC042853).
industry with competitions, Steady Cook-style cookery
demonstrations, seminars and contest.
National Sheep Association is an organisation which represents the views and interests of sheep producers throughout the UK. your business your future
around 200 trade stands. Competition
NSA is funded by its membership entries
of sheep farmers andinvolve it in every aspect of the sheep industry.
and its activities
Julie Sedgewick, NSA more information at www.
North Sheep 2015 Event northsheep.org.uk.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 11Ag-student wins first stick reader
The first winner in this year’s NSA
membership recruitment prize draw, Winner’s Profile:
in conjunction with Shearwell Data, is • 18-year-old agricultural student at
18-year-old student Tom Bird. Reaseheath College.
Tom attends Reaseheath College • Actively involved in family farm near
in Cheshire, as well as working on the Derby, running sheep and arable
family’s sheep and arable farm in South enterprises.
Derbyshire, running 1,800 North Country • 1,800 North Country Mules, with
Mules. replacements sourced from the same
“When I got the email to say I had breeder every year to reduce disease
won the draw I thought it was some of risk.
my college mates having a laugh, but • Texel, Suffolk and Charollais rams
fortunately it wasn’t and I had actually won used, all with high EBVs and sourced
it,” Tom says. “It will be a great tool on the directly from farms.
farm to be able to quickly and easily record • 1,000 best Mule crosses sold each
eartags when dosing sheep, moving them year as breeding females.
and doing other jobs. • Remaining lambs sold deadweight.
“My interest in sheep started from the forthcoming lambing season, saying the
moment I was born. I have spent virtually Richard Wheeldon, NSA Central Region family’s in-lamb Mule ewes will return
every day when I’m not in education Chairman (right), congratulates Tom Bird from winter grazing six weeks beforehand,
helping my dad run the farm, and I am (left) on his win. ready to be lambed outside. A custom-built
currently studying at Reaseheath for a more new members you recommend the trailer is used to move ewes and newborn
level 3 extended diploma in agriculture.” higher your chance of winning. Simply add lambs inside for a few days, before being
The kit won by Tom is the first of your membership details to the form on turned out to good grass. Most of the
12 being given away by NSA in the the facing page and pass it to someone grazing land on the farm is adjacent to the
membership recruitment campaign. New you know to join up as an NSA member. rivers Trent and Derwent, which Tom says
NSA members automatically get entered Tom joined the NSA just before is prone to quite bad flooding in winter and
into the draw, as well as existing members Christmas. He says: “I joined up after spring and ‘makes for some interesting
who recommend a friend or neighbour to spending many years reading my dad’s sleepless nights!’
sign up to NSA. Anyone in the draw who is copy of NSA Sheep Farmer magazine. I NSA is giving away a total of 12 readers
not lucky enough to win the first time has find it a great place to get new ideas and between 1st December 2014 and 30th
their entry rolled over to the subsequent be able to follow the trends in a modern November 2015. More information, terms
draws, and there is no limit to the number and evolving sheep industry.” and conditions at www.nationalsheep.org.
of entries existing members have, so the Tom is looking forward to the uk/draw.
Sixth and final 3in1 feeder won
Another young NSA member was the maintenance. Although Tom considers the entire industry, which is good because
recipient of the final Advantage 3in1 himself lucky to have secured this land, there’s always something or someone to
Feeder given away in last year’s NSA there are limited options for improving learn from that you otherwise wouldn’t
membership recruitment campaign – grassland and much of the land is also have heard of.”
19-year-old Tom Daborn (pictured) of unavailable in the summer months due to Tom is the final winner in NSA’s 2014
Chobham, Surry. haymaking. membership recruitment prize giveaway,
Tom balances the running of a small Tom says: “I look forward to using the which has seen six feeders given to NSA
sheep enterprise of pedigree Suffolks and 3in1 feeder to help finish lambs when we members in Warwickshire, Worcestershire,
commercial Lleyns with his vet training at are short of pasture during haymaking. Somerset, County Antrim, the Isle of Man,
the Royal Veterinary College, London. What excites me the most about the and now Surrey.
He and his father have access to feeder is its ability to utilise feeds that Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive,
around 70 acres, most of which is would otherwise cause acidosis or bloat. says: “It is always a great pleasure to give
offered as grazing in return for pasture I’m hoping that, in time, this might bring such exciting prizes to NSA members,
the feed bill down, as I can tailor the but particularly so for the last two draws
feed to the demands of the sheep more when it has been young members just
closely.” getting started in the industry and with
Tom received his NSA membership as a passion for new ideas and technology.
a Christmas gift in 2013, and feels that We wish both Tom Bird and Tom Daborn
the information and support NSA provides great success completing their studies and
will be invaluable in his career as a vet. all the best for their sheep enterprises.
He says: “As someone training to enter a I would like to extend a special thank
profession very close to agriculture, I feel you to Advantage Feeders for generously
it’s important to keep in contact with the providing the six 3in1 feeders given away
commercial end of the sheep sector. NSA in 2014, and look forward to working with
is very good at providing an overview of Shearwell Data on this year’s campaign.”
12 SHEEP FARMERExciting year ahead for NSA
Next Generation Ambassadors
After a hugely successful year for
the first ever NSA Next Generation
Lynn Allison (22)
Having graduated
Ambassadors in 2014, it was with
from the Scottish
great excitement that NSA opened
Agricultural College
the application process for the 2015
(SRUC) in July, Lynn
programme.
is now helping on
Word had spread of the scheme –
the family farm,
which offers professional and personal
establishing her
development training for young people in five delivery sessions through the year,
own flock and
the sheep sector – and NSA Head Office covering a wide range of sheep topics,
working in the local
was swamped with an incredibly high business skills and personal training, as
market at Newton Stewart.
standard of application. NSA regional well as gaining the qualities to promote
She currently has 30 Scottish
committees shortlisted and met with and support the sheep sector in the future
Blackface ewes, but says she is reliant
applicants in their area, and with nine as a long-term NSA Ambassador. They will
on the goodwill of her mother letting
interview panels set up around the UK the meet the 2014 Ambassadors, who are
her have land at home and will need to
12 places on the programme were quickly all still closely linked to NSA and play an
rent grazing locally to increase numbers
allocated. active part in encouraging other young
further. She spent some time in New
Joanne Briggs, NSA Communications farmers and discussing the issues facing
Zealand this summer and is also keen
Manager, comments: “We thought it was sheep keepers around the UK.
to head back there to better understand
tough to select our 2014 Ambassadors, Keep an eye out for coming editions
farming without subsidies.
but it was even harder this year. With only of Sheep Farmer magazine for reports of
Lynn believes there are lessons to be
12 slots available we were forced to turn the delivery sessions running throughout
learnt from New Zealand, but at the same
away some truly remarkable young people the year and the partners who generously
time understands the importance of a
and it was with great difficultly that we support NSA in providing them.
payment system for farmers at home.
whittled the applicants down. Our thanks The NSA Next Generation project
She is concerned that higher payments
go to everyone who put in an application. is not just about the ambassadors
for better land in Scotland and a focus on
Your passion and enthusiasm shows the that are selected each year, but also
forestry on poorer land will reduce areas
depth and strength of our sector, and how provides information and promotes
of sheep grazing and make it even harder
fortunate we are in the professionalism opportunities via the website, runs an
for people like herself getting started. She
and dedication of the young people annual conference and sees NSA regional
therefore wants to keep all her options
coming through as the sheep farmers of committees sponsor and support young
open.
the future.” people in their area. Find out more at
She says: “I hope to gain further
The 12 individuals www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk.
knowledge and skills as an Ambassador,
selected for the 2015
to increase my chances of acquiring
NSA Next Generation NSA Next Generation extra land to increase my flock size. But
Ambassador
Programme
Ambassadors 2015 being an Ambassador also improves my
1. Lynn Allison,Newton Stewart, employability if I were unable to increase
will attend
Wigtownshire my flock size.”
Top fact: Lynn did her university
2. Sam Bullingham, Okehampton, honours project on the effect of
Devon genotype on lambing ease and lamb
3. Thomas Carrick, Alston, Cumbria survival. She collected data on Lleyns
and Blackies.
4. Ewan Cumming, Denton, Norfolk
5. Jonny Farmer, Ballymena, County Sam Bullingham (23)
Antrim With 200 New
6. Harry Frederick, Tonbridge, Kent Zealand Romneys
on rented land, a
7. George Gough, Knighton, Powys shearing round of
8. George Hartley-Webb, Bury St 20,000-head and
Edmunds, Suffolk trips to New Zealand,
9. Clarke Hibberd, Inverurie, Australia, Iceland
Aberdeenshire and Greece to shear
there, you would think Sam had plenty of
10. Oliver Newman, Cirencester, work on his hands. However, he has also
Gloucestershire been approached by an abattoir as a local,
11. Georgie Radmore, Yelverton, Devon seasonal lamb procurer, jointly owns some
Romney stud ewes for genetics work and
12. Lewis Sayers, Bingham,
is starting a Southdown flock for genetic
Nottinghamshire
improvement too.
14 SHEEP FARMERYou can also read
