Key farming event to bring together South West sheep farmers this summer

The countdown is on for the return of NSA Sheep South West this summer, the key business to business event for sheep producers across South West England and beyond.

Taking place on Wednesday 25th June at Weston Farm, East Knowstone, South Moulton, Devon, by kind permission of the Stanbury family, the event, organised by a show committee of the National Sheep Association (NSA) South West Region, will once again provide sheep farming visitors with both an informative and enjoyable day out.

From browsing tradestands to joining an insightful seminar with leading names from industry, there will much to see and do. A sure highlight for visitors 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 980 ewes plus ewe lambs with breeds including Romney and North Country and Suffolk Mules. The farm is also venturing 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. 

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.

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, 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.

Trade stand bookings for the event have now formally closed but last minute applications will still likely be accepted where available. For all exhibitor enquiries please contact NSA Sheep South West Event Organiser Sue Martyn on [email protected].  

As plans continue be sure to visit www.sheepsouthwest.org.uk for more information. NSA members as well as children and YFC members receive free entry to the show. Additional tickets will be available on the day for £15 each.

Details about NSA membership and the many benefits it can deliver, including free event entry, can be found at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/membership.