The nights may be drawing in and a familiar chill returning to early mornings but thoughts at National Sheep Association (NSA) are already turning to next summer, looking forward to yet another busy year of events for the sheep sector.

For the first time ever, a serving NSA chairman will open his own farm gates for an NSA sheep event.

NSA Sheep South West will next year be hosted by NSA chairman Bryan Griffiths and wife Liz at Southcott, Burrington, North Devon, on Tuesday, June 18.

Bryan and Liz are looking forward to welcoming visitors to their farm, showcasing their flock of 900 commercial Mules and Suffolk Mules as well as beef cattle run over 300ac.

Liz Griffiths said: “Our simple production system has allowed us to produce a consistent supply of supermarket-specification lambs throughout our 35 years farming at Southcott.

“We hope this system will be of interest to visitors and our farm a perfect site for the wider NSA team to join us to host this leading event.”

As a supporter of NSA for many years, Bryan was elected chairman of the board in January. He has also held several other positions within NSA South West Region and nationally as NSA English Committee chairman.

He said: “I have enjoyed my various roles within NSA, culminating this year in my position as NSA chairman.

In my primary role as a hands-on farmer, I can easily relate to the challenges faced by everyday sheep farmers and therefore am excited to be in a position where my wife and I are able to host an event to focus on issues that are practical and beneficial to those working in sheep production.

“We both hope sheep farmers and industry representatives will ensure the date is highlighted in their 2019 diary so they don’t miss out on what promises to be a valuable and enjoyable day out.”

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker added: “All at NSA are thrilled Bryan and Liz have offered to welcome visitors to their family farm next year for NSA Sheep South West.

“As NSA chairman, Bryan already juggles his commitment to the association with his busy farming life so to act as host for such a major event shows real dedication and provides a fantastic opportunity for farmers within South West England, and indeed further afield, to take part in a valuable day that an event like this can provide.”

Next year’s event will include a tour of Bryan and Liz’s farm as well as a series of seminars, demonstrations, competitions and array of industry-specific trade stands.

Further details can be found on the NSA Sheep South West website or by contacting event organiser Sue Martyn by email on: [email protected].