The National Sheep Association (NSA) will welcome pedigree sheep breeders from across the UK to its 2021 NSA Breed Society forum, that returns next week after a two-year absence.

Having been forced to cancel last year’s forum due to Covid-19, this year’s online format will provide a long-overdue opportunity for the NSA and affiliated breed societies to exchange information and share updates on their respective activities and priorities.

Joining the NSA representatives will be some leading names from the UK sheep industry, delivering information on key topics currently affecting the UK pedigree sheep sector.

The NSA is pleased to welcome Marcus Bates and Rob Grinnal from the UK Export Certification Partnership, to speak about the latest work on the export of breeding animals from the UK – as well as Alison Braddock from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), discussing the latest developments on work from the Premium Sheep and Goat Health Schemes.

Leading the forum will be NSA chief executive, Phil Stocker, who said:

“The NSA Breed Society Forum is always an enjoyable and informative day – bringing together sheep breeders from all corners of the UK representing a wide range of sheep breeds.

Of course, it is a shame that we will not be able to meet in person, but an online forum does provide the opportunity for a greater number of representatives to join together virtually to benefit from hearing the session’s useful updates.

“As ever, we are grateful to our line-up of speakers for agreeing to join us, and we look forward to hearing their targeted and relevant updates for this sector of the UK sheep industry.”

Interested parties can join one or both of the online sessions on Thursday, May 6, commencing at 11:00a.m, with an update from NSA Head Office staff on the association’s current activity and policy work.

A short break will be taken over lunchtime with the second session commencing at 1:00p.m.