NSA Sheep South West returns this June with the key business to business event for sheep producers across South West England set to give visitors an insight to the progressive farming business at Weston Farm, East Knowstone, Devon.
A sure highlight for visitors at the National Sheep Association (NSA) event will undoubtedly be the farm tour of the family’s beef and sheep enterprise that has grown to 500 acres, plus additional rented and common grazing.
The enterprise is home to more than 1000 ewes plus ewe lambs with breeds including Romney and North Country and Suffolk Mules. The farm has also ventured into wool shedding breeds with Easycare and Exlana ewes. All sheep are finished on grass and herbal leys with the majority of sheep (and cattle) overwintered outside with rotational grazing a key strategy to their success.
In addition to the sheep flock, the farm has 145 spring calving suckler cows, mostly native breeds, including a pedigree herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle.
NSA Sheep South West takes place on Wednesday 25th June by kind permission of the Stanbury family. It will once again provide sheep farming visitors with an informative and enjoyable day out.
From browsing trade stands to joining an insightful seminar with leading names from industry, there will much to see and do in addition to the farm tour.
The event itself will give visitors the chance to get involved with workshops and competitions including the south west heat of the NSA Next Generation Shepherd competition that will uncover the future regional finalist for the national final of the competition to be held next year at NSA Sheep Event.
Other competitions will include a photography competition with the theme of ‘All things Sheep’, a lamb selection contest, a fleece competition and the fun ‘gift of the gavel’ contest, run by auctioneers Kivells, that gives aspiring auctioneers a chance to take to the rostrum to demonstrate their selling skills.
There will be demonstrations taking place throughout the day providing ideas and advice to farmers on electric fencing and mobile watering solutions.
A sheepdog sale will also take place for those searching for their next best friend and workmate.
National Sheep Association members as well as children and YFC members receive free entry to the show. Additional tickets are available for £15 each.